New CAC Service Fees in Nigeria – A Comprehensive Guide

As of August 1, 2025, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria has introduced a revised fee structure for services related to companies, business names, incorporated trustees, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs). Published in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette on May 29, 2025, these changes aim to fund digital upgrades, cover rising operational costs, and improve service delivery. This blog post breaks down the key fee updates, their impact on businesses, and how to navigate the changes.

Key Changes in the CAC Fee Structure

The new fees affect a wide range of services across different entity types. Below are some of the main updates:

Companies

• Name Reservation: ₦1,000 (standard) or ₦5,000 (for restricted words or LTD/GTE).
• Incorporation:
• Company Limited by Guarantee (LTD/GTE): ₦40,000 (includes Certified True Copy [CTC] of documents).
• Companies with share capital: ₦10,000 per ₦1 million or part thereof for small/private companies; ₦20,000 per ₦1 million for public companies.
• Voluntary Striking-Off: ₦25,000 (small companies), ₦50,000 (LTD/GTE, private companies), ₦100,000 (public companies).
• Relisting a Company: ₦25,000 (small companies), ₦50,000 (LTD/GTE, private companies), ₦100,000 (public companies).
• Annual Returns:
• LTD/GTE: ₦10,000.
• Small companies: ₦5,000.
• Companies with share capital above ₦100 million: ₦100,000–₦200,000, depending on share capital size.
• Self-Service Due Diligence Search: ₦50,000 across all company types.
• Extension to Hold Annual General Meeting (AGM): ₦50,000 (LTD/GTE, private companies), ₦100,000 (public companies).
• Historical Search Reports: ₦10,000–₦20,000 (specific information), ₦20,000–₦30,000 (all information).
• Certified True Copy of Documents: ₦5,000 each.
• Director’s Residential Address Restriction: ₦25,000 (small/private companies, LTD/GTE), ₦50,000 (public companies).

Business Names

• Registration: ₦20,000 (includes CTC).
• Change of Name: ₦10,000.
• Voluntary Striking-Off: ₦10,000.
• Relisting: ₦25,000.
• Annual Returns and Miscellaneous Filings: ₦5,000 each.
• Proprietor’s Address Restriction: ₦25,000.

Incorporated Trustees

• Registration: ₦40,000 (includes CTC).
• Change of Name: ₦25,000.
• Notice of Dissolution: ₦50,000.
• Annual Returns and Miscellaneous Filings: ₦5,000 each.
• Trustee’s Address Restriction: ₦25,000.

Limited Partnerships (LP)

• Registration: ₦30,000 (includes CTC).
• Change of Name: ₦10,000.
• Voluntary Striking-Off: ₦25,000.
• Relisting: ₦25,000.
• Annual Returns and Miscellaneous Filings: ₦5,000 each.

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)

• Registration: ₦40,000 (includes CTC).
• Change of Name: ₦20,000.
• Voluntary Striking-Off: ₦50,000.
• Relisting: ₦50,000.
• Annual Returns and Miscellaneous Filings: ₦10,000 each.

Foreign Companies

• Notice of Exemption: ₦100,000.
• Annual Report: ₦100,000.

Other Services

• Registration of Agents/Professionals: ₦10,000 (one-off).
• Registration of Insolvency Practitioners: ₦50,000 (one-off).
• SMS Notification (Annual Subscription): ₦5,000.
• Premium Service/VIP Lounge: ₦50,000 (single transaction), ₦100,000 (multiple applications per entity).
• Bulk Data Products: Company directory exports range from ₦1 million (one-off) to ₦10 million (annual subscription).

Penalties

• Annual Returns (One-Off):
• Small companies, LPs: ₦1,000.
• Private companies, LTD/GTE, LLPs: ₦2,000.
• Public companies: ₦5,000.
• Business names: ₦5,000.
• Incorporated trustees: ₦10,000.
• Daily Default Penalties: Range from ₦100 (small companies, LPs, business names) to ₦500 (public companies).

Note: Verify all fees on www.cac.gov.ng, as rates may vary based on specific requirements.

Why the Fee Changes?

The CAC introduced these adjustments to:

1. Fund Digital Upgrades: Investments in the online portal aim to reduce processing times and enhance accessibility.
2. Cover Rising Costs: Inflation and operational expenses have driven the need for higher fees to sustain services.
3. Improve Efficiency: The revenue will support faster processing, reduced backlogs, and better compliance systems.

Impact on Businesses

The fee hikes affect businesses differently:

• Startups and SMEs: Higher costs for registration (e.g., ₦20,000 for business names, ₦40,000 for LLPs) and compliance (e.g., ₦5,000–₦10,000 for annual returns) may strain budgets, especially for small entities.
• Public Companies: Larger firms face significant fees, like ₦100,000 for striking-off or AGM extensions, impacting non-compliant entities seeking reinstatement.
• Incorporated Trustees and Partnerships: NGOs and LPs/LLPs face increased costs for dissolution, relisting, or address restrictions, potentially affecting operational planning.
• Potential Benefits: Enhanced digital systems could lower indirect costs (e.g., agent fees) and improve access for businesses nationwide.

Stakeholder Reactions

Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments. Some entrepreneurs lament the added costs, with one user stating, “₦50,000 for a due diligence search hurts small businesses.” Others support the digital upgrades but demand transparency in how fees are utilized to ensure tangible improvements.

Tips for Businesses

To navigate the new fees:

1. Budget Accordingly: Account for higher costs in registration, compliance, or specialized services like striking-off or relisting.
2. Use the CAC Portal: Direct filings reduce agent fees and errors.
3. Stay Compliant: Avoid penalties (e.g., ₦1,000–₦10,000 for late annual returns) by setting reminders for filings and AGMs.
4. Verify Fees: Check www.cac.gov.ng for accurate rates before proceeding.
5. Seek Professional Advice: Consult experts for complex processes like due diligence or dissolution to optimize costs.

Looking Ahead

The new CAC fees, effective August 1, 2025, aim to modernize Nigeria’s business registration system while addressing economic realities. While startups and SMEs may face challenges, the promised digital improvements could streamline compliance and foster a better business environment. The CAC’s success in delivering these upgrades will be crucial to justifying the increases.

For updates, visit www.cac.gov.ng or follow X discussions for insights from other businesses. How are these fees affecting you? Share your thoughts below!

Source: Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette, May 29, 2025, and recent updates. Confirm all fees on www.cac.gov.ng.

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