Register a Referral Business With the CAC in Nigeria 2026

The verdict in three sentences

An unregistered referral agent collects commissions off the books, without invoices, and locks themselves out of the serious clients who require a business registration and a tax identification number (TIN). With the CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission), registering a business name takes a few working days for a modest fee in 2026. Once formalized, you invoice your Kolonell commissions cleanly (up to 15 % on a showcase site) by bank transfer or mobile money, with a clear accounting trail.

Why formalizing changes everything

A referral agent connects a client to an agency, then earns a commission on the closed sale. Without a structure, you cannot issue an invoice: the agency pays you "hand to hand," which creates two problems. First, institutional clients and structured SMEs refuse to work with an informal intermediary. Second, without an invoice, the agency cannot book your commission as a deductible expense, which pushes it to lower your rate.

A registered business name solves both: you obtain a registration number, a TIN, and the ability to issue compliant invoices.

Business name or limited company?

The choice depends on your volume and appetite for paperwork. A business name is the ideal entry point for a starting referral agent: fast, cheap, simple management. A limited company (Ltd) protects your personal assets and reassures large accounts, but costs more and imposes formal accounting.

The concrete CAC steps

• Gather the file: copy of ID (national ID or passport), proof of address, two photos, and the application form.
• File on the CAC portal (online registration, common in 2026).
• Pay the fees: a modest amount for a business name, depending on options.
• Receive the registration certificate and TIN within a few working days.
• Open a business account with the certificate to receive your commissions by transfer.

Mini case study

Moussa, 29, a community manager, refers two restaurants to Kolonell for Growth showcase sites at the equivalent of 500,000 FCFA each. His referral commission is 15 %, i.e. 75,000 FCFA per sale, so 150,000 FCFA in total. Before formalizing, he collected these sums via mobile money without an invoice. By investing a modest amount in his CAC registration, he recovers the cost on the very first commission, can now target larger clients, and invoices cleanly. Return on investment: less than two weeks.

FAQ

How much does CAC registration really cost in 2026?

For a business name, expect a modest fee all-in (order of magnitude). A limited company costs more, driven by share capital and professional filing fees.

How long to get the certificate and TIN?

The CAC online portal typically issues a business name within a few working days. Allow a margin if your file is incomplete; a missing proof of address is the most common cause of delay.

Do I have to charge VAT on my commissions?

If you fall under a VAT-liable regime, the standard rate applies to services. Many small agents start under a simplified regime; check your situation with an accountant once your annual commissions exceed a few million FCFA equivalent.

Can I become a Kolonell referral agent?

Yes. The Kolonell referral program pays 15 % on showcase sales (plus 5 % on recurring revenue), 12 % on e-commerce, 10 % on marketplace and 8 % on institutional. A formal structure makes it easy to pay these commissions by transfer.

Do I need commercial premises?

No, a registered address or your home suffices for a referral business name, a purely intangible activity.

Let's talk about your project. Formalize your activity and join the Kolonell referral program to earn up to 15 % commission. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.