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Nonprofit · Nigeria

Register an NGO (Incorporated Trustees)

Register a non-profit as Incorporated Trustees with the CAC under CAMA 2020: reserve name → constitution & trustees → newspaper publication → certificate → SCUML.

4
steps
4
agencies involved
Who you will deal with
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)Applicant / CACApplicantCAC / SCUML
The steps
  1. 1Reserve the name
    Agency
    Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
    What is required
    Reserve a unique name / obtain Registrar-General's consent (₦5,000). Need at least 2 trustees (18+), defined objectives and a registered address.
    Documents
    Proposed name; trustee details
    Typical timeline
    Name reservation
  2. 2Prepare constitution and trustee documents
    Agency
    Applicant / CAC
    What is required
    Draft the constitution (governance/objects) and upload trustee IDs, signatures and passport photographs on the CAC pre-registration portal.
    Documents
    Constitution; trustee IDs; signatures; photos
    Typical timeline
    Preparation
  3. 3Newspaper publication (objection window)
    Agency
    Applicant
    What is required
    Publish the trustees' names in at least two national newspapers, opening a 28-day window for public objections.
    Documents
    Two newspaper publications
    Typical timeline
    28-day objection period
  4. 4Submit, obtain certificate and register with SCUML
    Agency
    CAC / SCUML
    What is required
    Pay fees (~₦150,000-₦300,000 in CAC + publication fees) and submit; on approval CAC issues the Certificate of Registration. Then register with SCUML — required to open a corporate bank account.
    Documents
    Paid fees; completed application
    Typical timeline
    ~6-8 weeks total

Primary source: https://cac.gov.ng/services/incorporated-trustees · confidence: high

The numbers behind the decision

Knowing the process is half of it. ONYX also tracks the operating environment you are entering — daily grid generation, official FX, state-level input prices and inflation, and sector output — each figure source-linked and dated.

ONYX publishes what the responsible agencies publish, with a link to each source. Requirements, fees and timelines change, and an officer's reading of a rule can differ from the published text. Verify against the linked source before you commit money — this is reference information, not legal advice.

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