Register a company with CAC in Nigeria: steps, timeline, cost (2026)

The verdict in three sentences

Nigeria's Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) runs a fully online registration portal that issues an incorporation certificate in one to two weeks. Registering a private limited company costs roughly 20 000 to 30 000 NGN, with no immediate paid-up capital requirement. Without a TIN (Tax Identification Number from FIRS) and a CAC certificate, you cannot issue compliant invoices or open a corporate bank account.

Why go through the CAC portal

Nigeria moved company registration entirely online years ago, so there is no queue at a physical registry. You reserve a name, upload directors' details and file the incorporation documents through the CAC platform. In practice, a complete filing submitted on a Monday can be approved within the same week for straightforward cases, though volume spikes can push it toward two weeks.

The TIN is the counterpart to Senegal's NINEA. It appears on your invoices, unlocks access to public contracts and determines your VAT status. No TIN, no legal invoicing.

Steps, timelines and costs in Nigeria (2026)

The Nigerian advantage is scale and full digitisation: no physical counter and no mandatory capital deposit. The trade-off is that peak periods and document corrections can stretch the timeline.

Nigeria vs Senegal: two windows, two rhythms

Senegal is faster on paper thanks to its physical one-stop shop, while Nigeria relies on a 100% online platform (CAC) that handles far larger volumes.

Mini case study

Chidi, a digital marketing consultant in Lagos, needs to invoice a first corporate client that requires a TIN on the invoice. He registers a private limited company. He pays about 25 000 NGN in registration fees, with no capital to deposit. He files on Tuesday and receives his certificate and TIN the following week: he issues his first invoice of 1 500 000 NGN. The registration cost is under 2% of that first invoice.

FAQ

How long does CAC registration really take?

With a complete filing, expect one to two weeks. Delays almost always come from a missing document (a director's ID, a valid address) or from portal congestion during peak periods.

Is there a minimum capital to deposit?

A share capital figure is declared, but Nigeria does not require an immediate cash deposit for a standard private company, unlike Senegal's 100 000 FCFA rule.

Can I invoice without a TIN?

No, not legally. An invoice without a TIN is not enforceable against the tax authority and will be rejected by any serious client, especially in B2B and the public sector.

Ltd or business name for starting out?

A business name (sole proprietorship) is cheaper and faster, but a limited company protects your personal assets and reassures large clients. A beginner freelancer can often start with a business name.

Do I need commercial premises to register?

A registered address is enough in most cases; a co-working space or a third-party address is generally accepted. Confirm the current requirements on the CAC portal.

Let's talk about your project. Once your company is registered, Kolonell builds the website and invoicing system that turn that TIN into revenue. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.