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Start & structureBusinessNigeria

Obtain an ISP / telecoms licence (NCC)

License an Internet Service Provider / telecoms service with the Nigerian Communications Commission: incorporate → NRS tax → apply to NCC → grant.

Procedure
4steps
Coordination
3agencies
Category
Start & structureBusiness
Task links

Go to the exact next page

Application, requirements, forms, fees, and tracking are labelled separately.

Apply onlineRegister the company with CACCorporate Affairs Commission · icrp.cac.gov.ngApply onlineRegister the company for taxNigeria Revenue Service · selfservice.nrs.gov.ngApply onlineOpen the NCC licensing serviceNigerian Communications Commission · eservices.ncc.gov.ngRequirementsRead the NCC application routeNigerian Communications Commission · ig.ncc.gov.ngForm or guideDownload the individual-licence form (PDF)Nigerian Communications Commission · ncc.gov.ngFeesCheck licence fees and pricingNigerian Communications Commission · ncc.gov.ng
Routing map

Who you will deal with

Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS, formerly FIRS)Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
Procedure

The steps, in order

Each route below is scoped to the step it can actually complete.

  1. 01

    Incorporate a company (CAC)

    Agency
    Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
    What is required
    Incorporate in Nigeria. No minimum share capital for an ISP licence, BUT ₦100,000,000 minimum share capital applies where there is foreign participation.
    Documents
    Certificate of Incorporation; MEMART
    Typical timeline
    See CAC procedure
    Use for this step
  2. 02

    Register for tax (NRS)

    Agency
    Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS, formerly FIRS)
    What is required
    Obtain the company's TIN and Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC).
    Documents
    TIN; Tax Clearance Certificate
    Typical timeline
    ~days
    Use for this step
  3. 03

    Apply to NCC for the ISP (Individual) licence

    Agency
    Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
    What is required
    Apply via the Licensing Application Management System. Pay a non-refundable application fee (5% of the licence fee) plus ₦10,000 on submission.
    Documents
    CAC docs; TIN/TCC; business plan; application form
    Typical timeline
    Apply via LAMS
    Use for this step
  4. 04

    NCC review and grant

    Agency
    Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
    What is required
    NCC responds within 90 days (Nigerian Communications Act 2003); on approval pay the licence fee within 30 days. Licence valid 5 years; renew ≥6 months before expiry and pay the annual operating levy.
    Documents
    Approved application; licence fee
    Typical timeline
    Response within 90 days; valid 5 yrs
    Use for this step
Start & structure
BusinessCertify a locally-made product (SON MANCAP)BusinessComply with data protection (NDPA / NDPC)BusinessHire a foreign worker (Expatriate Quota & CERPAC)BusinessOpen a restaurant / food businessBusinessRegister a business for tax (TIN & VAT)BusinessRegister a limited liability company (CAC)