The verdict in three sentences
Registering a private limited company (Ltd) in Nigeria through the CAC online portal typically takes 1 to 2 weeks when your file is complete. Base fees run around 20,000-50,000 NGN depending on company type and share capital, excluding professional fees. You come away with your CAC certificate and can then obtain a TIN (tax ID) from the FIRS to invoice legally.
The CAC registration steps
Since the Companies and Allied Matters Act reform, most of the process is online. The CAC portal handles name reservation, incorporation and the certified documents.
| Step | Detail | Indicative time 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Name reservation | Availability check on CAC portal | A few hours |
| 2. Documents | Memorandum & articles, directors' details | 1-2 days |
| 3. Online filing | Upload forms + IDs on CAC portal | Same day |
| 4. Payment | Statutory fees + stamp duty | Same day |
| 5. Certificate | Incorporation certificate issued | 1-2 weeks |
| 6. TIN (FIRS) | Tax identification number | A few days |
Cost comparison Nigeria / Senegal
The figures below are 2026 orders of magnitude excluding professional fees; they vary with legal form and declared capital.
| Item | Nigeria (CAC) | Senegal (APIX) |
|---|---|---|
| Base registration fee | 20,000-50,000 NGN | from 25,000 FCFA |
| Most common form | Ltd (private company) | SARL |
| Minimum capital | 100,000 NGN (indicative) | free |
| One-stop delay | 1-2 weeks | 1-3 days |
| Channel | CAC online portal | physical one-stop + online |
| Tax ID | TIN (FIRS) | NINEA |
In Nigeria, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) manages incorporation online, then the TIN is obtained from the FIRS. In Senegal, everything is concentrated at the APIX one-stop shop.
Mini case study
Chidi, a marketing consultant in Lagos, wants to form his Ltd. He reserves the name on the CAC portal, uploads his articles and directors' IDs, and pays statutory fees of roughly 30,000 NGN. About ten days later, his certificate is issued; he then registers for a TIN. Total with light legal help: around 80,000-120,000 NGN, and he can invoice with a compliant entity.
FAQ
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Do I need a lawyer to register with CAC?
Not mandatory: you can self-file on the portal, saving professional fees. A lawyer or accredited agent is advised for complex shareholding structures.
What does a full registration really cost?
Expect from about 20,000 NGN (bare fees) to 100,000-150,000 NGN all-in with an agent. The main variable is professional assistance.
What's the difference between the CAC certificate and the TIN?
The CAC certificate is your legal incorporation; the TIN from FIRS is your tax identifier, needed to invoice and file taxes.
Can everything be done online?
Yes, the CAC process is largely digital in 2026, though some verifications and stamp duty steps require care.
Should I just start as a sole trader?
A business name is cheaper and faster, but a limited company protects your personal assets and looks more credible to clients.
Let's talk about your project. We help you frame your company setup and web presence from day one of registration. 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.
