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Start & structureNonprofitNigeria

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.

Procedure
4steps
Coordination
4agencies
Category
Start & structureNonprofit
Task links

Go to the exact next page

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

Apply onlineStart or continue Incorporated Trustees registrationCorporate Affairs Commission · icrp.cac.gov.ngRequirementsRead Incorporated Trustees requirementsCorporate Affairs Commission · cac.gov.ngForm or guideOpen the iCRP user guide (PDF)Corporate Affairs Commission · icrp.cac.gov.ngRequirementsCheck the SCUML registration guidelineSCUML / EFCC · scumlportal.efcc.gov.ng
Routing map

Who you will deal with

Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)Applicant / CACApplicantCAC / SCUML
Procedure

The steps, in order

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

  1. 01

    Reserve 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
    Use for this step
  2. 02

    Prepare 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
    Use for this step
  3. 03

    Newspaper 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
    Use for this step
  4. 04

    Submit, 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
    Use for this step
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