The verdict in three sentences
Formalizing a web business in Nigeria unlocks legal invoicing, access to tenders and client trust. With the CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission), a Limited company can be registered fully online in 1 to 2 weeks for a real cost of roughly 20,000 to 30,000 NGN in fees. The private Limited (Ltd) form is the most suitable for freelancers and small digital agencies.
The steps on the CAC portal
The CAC centralizes company registration, name reservation and TIN issuance through its online portal. Here is the typical 2026 journey.
| Step | Timeline | Estimated cost | Required document |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name reservation | Day 0 | ~1,000 NGN | 2 proposed names |
| Company registration | 3-7 days | 15,000-25,000 NGN | Form CAC 1.1 |
| Memorandum & Articles | included | included | MEMART |
| TIN allocation | 3-7 days | Free | Registration docs |
| Certificate issuance | 1-2 weeks | included | Registered particulars |
| Business bank account | 2-7 days | Variable | Certificate + TIN |
The total cost for a small Ltd with modest share capital runs around 20,000 to 30,000 NGN in 2026, excluding any optional professional agent fees.
Legal forms and capital
The form chosen determines liability, taxation and minimum capital. For a web business, the private Ltd dominates.
| Form | Minimum capital | Liability | Recommended profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Name (sole) | None | Unlimited | Activity test, micro |
| Private Ltd | 100,000 NGN | Limited to shares | Web freelancer, solo agency |
| Ltd (multi-shareholder) | 100,000 NGN | Limited to shares | Agency, 2+ partners |
| Public Ltd (PLC) | 2,000,000+ NGN | Limited | Fundraising startup |
Minimum issued share capital for a private Ltd is commonly set at 100,000 NGN, which keeps the entry ticket low.
Mini case study
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Chidi, a freelance developer in Lagos, bills 300,000 NGN/month but loses contracts because he cannot issue a proper invoice. In 2026 he registers a private Ltd with the CAC: name reservation 1,000 NGN, registration 20,000 NGN, TIN free, for about 21,000 NGN and one week. The next month he signs a 1,200,000 NGN deal with an SME that required a registered company. The 21,000 NGN outlay is repaid over 50 times on a single contract.
Become a Kolonell referral partner
A registered company also makes a supplementary income easier: becoming a web referral partner. You refer projects, Kolonell delivers, you earn a commission — 15 % on a showcase site + 5 % recurring, 12 % e-commerce, 10 % marketplace, 8 % institutional. With a legal structure in place, you invoice those commissions cleanly and build a second revenue stream alongside your main activity.
FAQ
How long does CAC registration take in 2026? Expect 1 to 2 weeks for the certificate through the online portal, once the complete file is submitted. Delays grow if names or the MEMART are incomplete.
Is the TIN paid? No, the Tax Identification Number is issued free. It is essential to invoice, open a corporate bank account and bid for public and private tenders.
Do I need an agent? Not systematically for a small private Ltd; the CAC portal allows self-registration. An accredited agent becomes useful for higher-capital structures or several shareholders.
What obligations follow registration? Periodic tax filings, bookkeeping and social contributions if you employ staff. Also plan for the annual return filing with the CAC.
Can everything be done online? Most of the process is digital via the CAC portal, but some documents or payments may still require manual steps depending on the file.
Let's talk about your project. We help you scope your website and structure your web business. 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.
