The verdict in three sentences
Nigeria's CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission) portal is the single online window that bundles company registration formalities. Expect 24 to 72 hours and an official cost on the order of 20,000 to 35,000 NGN for your RC number and TIN. The day registration lands, launch your web presence immediately: a free Google Business Profile, a professional email, then a Starter showcase site.
Single window versus scattered steps
Before the online portal, a founder ran between the registry, the tax office and social security. The single window compresses everything. Here is the gap, as a 2026 order of magnitude.
| Criterion | CAC online portal | Separate steps |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 24-72 h | 2-4 weeks |
| Contact points | 1 | 4-5 |
| Official cost | 20,000-35,000 NGN | Variable, often more |
| RC number + TIN | Bundled | Requested separately |
| Error risk | Low | High |
Minimum share capital for a Ltd is flexible: you can start with a modest capital, removing a major launch barrier. A business name (sole proprietor) remains the fastest route for a solo founder.
Which site to launch first
Once registered, the question is not "do I need a site" but "which one first". The choice depends on your model and starting budget.
| Profile | First channel | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service provider | Starter showcase | 250,000 FCFA | 5-10 d |
| Merchant who sells | Starter e-commerce | 1,000,000 FCFA | 3-4 wk |
| Zero starting budget | Google Business Profile | Free | 1-3 d |
| Brand in the making | Landing + socials | 250,000 FCFA | 5-7 d |
The Google Business Profile is free and underused: well filled out, it raises local visibility by about 70 % and puts your business on Maps from the first searches. It is the day-one reflex on registration day.
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Mini case study
Aminata sets up her catering company in Lagos. She uses the CAC portal: 30,000 NGN, RC number and TIN in 48 hours. Same day, she opens a free Google Business Profile and a professional email. A week later, her Starter showcase site is live for 250,000 FCFA equivalent. Total digital launch budget: about 285,000 FCFA. Two weeks on, she gets three quote requests from Google Maps, one converted at 180,000 FCFA: the site is already more than two-thirds paid off.
FAQ
What is the real cost of a CAC registration in 2026? The official order of magnitude is 20,000 to 35,000 NGN depending on the legal form. A limited company costs a bit more than a business name but gives better banking credibility.
Are the RC number and TIN issued together? Yes, the CAC online portal is built to hand you both in the same journey, typically within 24 to 72 hours in standard cases.
Can I launch my site before I have the RC number? Technically yes for a landing page, but it is better to display your registration and legal notices at launch for client trust. Kolonell delivers a Starter showcase in 5 to 10 days, leaving time for registration to complete.
Is the Google Business Profile enough at the start? It gives immediate, free local visibility, but it does not replace a site: without a dedicated page, you lose prospects who want to know more before calling.
How do I fund the 250,000 FCFA showcase? Many founders use the first client's deposit or a microloan. It is an investment that often repays from the first sales.
Let's talk about your project. Just registered? Kolonell puts your showcase site live in 5 to 10 days — and if you refer other founders, our partner program pays you 15 % + 5 % recurring via mobile money. 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.
