The verdict in three sentences
In Nigeria, fear of cost and paperwork makes already-profitable businesses waste months. In 2026 the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) incorporates a company online in 24 to 72 hours, with official fees that are modest for simple cases. The real cost is not registering: it is staying informal.
CAC (Nigeria) vs CEPICI (Cote d'Ivoire): two one-stop shops, same logic
The CAC and Cote d'Ivoire's CEPICI both centralize incorporation, tax and statistics. Let's compare them side by side.
| Criterion | CAC — Nigeria | CEPICI — Cote d'Ivoire |
|---|---|---|
| Common form | Ltd / Business Name | SARL / SARLU |
| Usual timeline | 24-72 hours (online) | 24-72 hours |
| Minimum share capital | Declared, flexible | From FCFA 100,000 (OHADA) |
| Tax ID | TIN | DFE + taxpayer account |
| Register | CAC register | RCCM |
| Online filing | Yes, CAC portal | Yes, partial |
| Legal publication | Depends on form | Yes |
Detailed steps and costs at the CAC
The CAC portal issues your TIN in coordination with the FIRS. Amounts are a 2026 order-of-magnitude estimate.
| Step | Timeline | Estimated fee (NGN) |
|---|---|---|
| Name search + reservation | Day 1 | Low / included |
| Prepare documents (MEMART) | Day 1 | 0 to 20,000 (template) |
| Online CAC filing | Day 1 | Scales with share capital |
| Certificate of incorporation | 24-72 h | Included |
| TIN + taxpayer account | 24-72 h | Included |
| Practical total (simple Ltd) | 1 to 3 days | Modest, capital-based |
After incorporation: don't stop there
Once the company exists, a few steps determine whether you can get paid cleanly.
| Post-incorporation step | Why | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Open a business bank account | Collect and prove turnover | 1-7 days |
| Merchant mobile-money account | Accept mobile payments | 1-3 days |
| Tax clearance certificate | Bid on tenders | Variable |
| Pension / statutory cover if staff | Employer obligation | Depends on headcount |
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Mini case study
Chidi, a developer in Lagos, hesitated to register, sure it would cost a fortune. He finds a private Ltd with template documents runs to a modest official fee and 2 days at the CAC portal. Once his TIN is issued, he signs a maintenance contract worth NGN 3,600,000/year with an SME that required a registered invoice: dozens of times the cost of incorporation.
FAQ
Does a private Ltd really need huge capital? No. Share capital is flexible and declared in your documents; it stays your money in the company account.
Do I need a lawyer? For simple documents a validated template often suffices; a lawyer helps with complex share structures or multiple partners.
How long at the CAC? The portal targets 24 to 72 hours for a complete, well-prepared filing.
Ltd vs Business Name, what's the difference? A Business Name is a sole proprietorship with unlimited liability; a Ltd gives limited liability and stronger credibility.
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Every newly registered company needs an online presence. By referring Kolonell you earn 15% + 5% recurring on a showcase site, 12% on an e-commerce store, 10% on a marketplace and 8% on an institutional project. A simple address book of founders becomes a revenue stream.
Let's talk about your project. Company registered? You now need a site that converts and accepts mobile payments. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
