I used the CAC official guidance and recent Nigerian how-to guides to make this accurate and competitive.
What information do you need to register a company in Nigeria?
Complete checklist & step-by-step guide for CAC registration (2025–2026)
Step-by-step company registration checklist for Nigeria. Exact documents CAC requires: names, addresses, IDs, MEMART, share structure, photos & more.
To register a company in Nigeria, you must prepare accurate information about the company (name, address, business activity), details and ID docs for directors and shareholders (photos, signatures, means of ID), share distribution, a witness’s details for certain forms - and corporate documents such as the Memorandum & Articles of Association (MEMART) and completed CAC forms uploaded to the CAC Company Registration Portal (CRP). The CAC’s online CRP requires passport photographs, means of identification and signatures for each proprietor/director during upload.
Why precise information matters
Before you begin: the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) now runs an online Company Registration Portal (CRP). All information entered on the portal must exactly match the documents you upload (typed, in English, no erasures). Mistakes delay approval. The CAC publishes detailed checklists and a CRP user guide that spell out the required uploads and data consistency rules. 
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The definitive list of information required (expanded & explaine
Here is a full list of what the Corporate Affairs Commission actually expects, examples of acceptable documents and practical notes.
1. Proposed company name(s)
The CAC expects you to provide between one to three name options (primary + backup) in your order of preference. This matters because every company name must be unique, not misleading or too similar to existing names or trademarks. Reserve the name on the CAC portal first (name reservation is the first step).
2. Nature of business (company object / business activity)
What to provide: Short, precise description of primary business activities (e.g., “IT software development and consultancy”, “import/export of textiles”).
Why it matters: Used in CAC form fields and MEMART; keep it clear and accurate to avoid later amendments.
3. Registered office / business address
What to provide: Full physical address that can be traced (house/building number, street, district, city, state). For startups it can be a serviced/virtual office but must be verifiable.
• Supporting documents: Utility bill, lease agreement, or letter of consent from property owner (if required). The CAC accepts well-described addresses that make the location traceable.
4. Full names of director(s)
Every company has real persons who make the work happen. Full legal names (as on ID), date of birth, nationality, occupation, and appointment date(s). That said, it is important to note that at least one director is required for most company types; a company secretary and at least two directors may be needed depending on your Corporate governance choices.
5. Director(s) supporting details (required uploads)
For each director you should upload:
• Passport photograph (recent).
• Email address and mobile phone number.
• Residential address (full).
• Signature (scanned image).
• Means of identification — acceptable ID types usually include:
• National Identity Number (NIN) card/printout, or
• International passport, or
• Driver’s licence, or
• Voter’s card (PVC).
The CRP explicitly requires images of means of identification, passport photos and signatures for each director/proprietor. Ensure the names and signatures on uploaded documents match the CRP entries. 
6. Shareholder(s) details (same fields as directors)
For each shareholder (even if the directors are also shareholders) upload:
• Passport photograph, email, residential address, signature and means of identification (IDs listed above).
• If corporate shareholder: certified copy of company’s certificate of incorporation and CAC registration number; authorized signatory’s details. 
7. Percentage distribution of shares among shareholders
• What to provide: Exact share allocation expressed in percentages and number of shares (e.g., Founder A — 60% (600,000 shares); Founder B — 40% (400,000 shares)).
• Supporting doc: Statement of share capital and return of allotment (CAC form) / share certificate templates. The share capital you choose should align with business needs and any regulatory minimums (note: thresholds differ for foreign participation and regulated sectors). 
8. Witness’ name & details (where required)
• What to provide: Some documents must be witnessed (signatures): provide witness full name, passport photograph, email address, residential address, signature and ID. This is often used for execution of MEMART, director affidavits and certain statutory declarations.
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Additional documents commonly required (don’t overlook these)
• Completed CAC forms (CAC Form CAC1.1 or CRP equivalent for company incorporation). 
• Memorandum & Articles of Association (MEMART) — for limited companies. Templates are available; a legal practitioner can draft/modify. 
• Statement of share capital & return of allotment (showing authorized/issued share capital).
• Evidence of registered office (utility bill or letter of consent).
• Company secretary details (name, address, qualification if corporate secretary).
• Director’s consent to act (signed forms).
• Tax identification preparations — after CAC, you’ll register for tax (TIN), VAT, and other relevant permits/registrations depending on industry. Many guides recommend preparing to register for taxes immediately after incorporation.
Step-by-step process summary
1. Name availability search & reservation on CAC portal. Provide the proposed names.
2. Create CRP account and fill pre-registration form (company particulars, directors, shareholders).
3. Upload supporting documents (IDs, passport photos, MEMART, proof of address, signatures). Documents must match CRP entries.
4. Pay filing & stamp duty fees online.
5. Await CAC review — if approved you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation and company registration number; if queries arise, respond promptly with corrected/clarified documents.
Practical tips to avoid delays & rejection
One major issue faced by accredited agents and individuals in the course of company registration is
- Ensure all names and signatures on forms match uploaded IDs. The CAC is strict about consistency.
- Use high-quality, clearly typed documents - no erasures or manual corrections. The CAC states documents must be typed and clean.
- Prepare scans/images at the size/format required by CRP (check the CRP user guide for image specifications).
- Keep an organized share structure table (name, ID, email, address, percent) to paste into forms — saves time.
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FAQ
Here are a few
Q: What ID documents does CAC accept for directors and shareholders?
A: Typical acceptable IDs are NIN, international passport, driver’s licence, and voter card (PVC). The CRP asks you to upload a means of identification image for each proprietor/director. 
Q: Do directors need passport photos and signatures?
A: Yes, the CRP requires passport photographs and scanned signatures for each director and proprietor uploaded during registration.
Q: Does the registered office address need proof?
A: Provide an address that is fully traceable. The CAC may request proof such as a utility bill or consent letter, and documents must match the address entered on the portal. 
Q: What corporate documents must I prepare?
A: MEMART (Memorandum & Articles of Association), share capital statement, Form CAC1.1 (or portal equivalent), directors’ consent, and company secretary particulars.
Need help? We provide end-to-end CAC registration support - name search, MEMART drafting and portal filing. [Contact us here.
Short printable checklist (copyable)
1. Two proposed company names (reserve on CAC portal).
2. Short description of nature of business (primary activities).
3. Registered office address + proof (if available).
4. Director(s): full names, DOB, nationality, occupation.
5. Director(s) uploads: passport photo, email, residential address, scanned signature, means of ID (NIN/passport/driver’s licence).
6. Shareholder(s) uploads: passport photo, email, residential address, scanned signature, means of ID.
7. Share allocation: number/percentage of shares per shareholder; statement of capital.
8. Witness details (if required): name, photo, signature, ID.
9. MEMART (Memorandum & Articles) ready.
10. Completed CAC CRP form entries & paid filing/stamp duty fees.
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