You have a passion to solve a problem in your community. You’ve gathered a team, developed a vision, and you’re ready to make a real impact. But to move from a passionate idea to a sustainable organisation, you need to take one crucial step: formal registration. The process of Registering Your NGO in Nigeria with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) can seem complex, but it is the foundational pillar of your legitimacy and future success.
Many aspiring change-makers get stuck here, intimidated by the legal requirements and paperwork. This comprehensive guide will demystify the entire process for you. As of 2025, the CAC has streamlined many of its operations online, and by following these steps, you can navigate the registration smoothly and confidently.
Why Formal Registration is Non-Negotiable
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.” Registering your NGO is not just about getting a certificate. It gives your organisation:
- A Legal Identity: Your NGO becomes a corporate body, able to sue and be sued, and it has a life separate from its founders.
- Access to Funding: Most grant-making foundations, international donors, and corporate sponsors will only fund registered entities.
- A Corporate Bank Account: You cannot open a bank account in your organization’s name without a CAC registration certificate. This is vital for financial transparency and accountability.
- Public Trust and Credibility: A registered status shows the public and potential partners that you are a serious and legitimate organization.
Understanding the Legal Structure: Incorporated Trustees
In Nigeria, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), CSOs (Civil Society Organizations), Foundations, and religious bodies are registered under Part F of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020. The legal name for this structure is “Incorporated Trustees.” This is the structure you will be applying for.
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your NGO in Nigeria (2025 Process)
Here is the complete, step-by-step process to follow on the CAC’s online portal.
Step 1: Choose a Unique Name and Conduct an Availability Search
Your name is your identity. It must be unique and not misleading. Before you do anything else, you need to conduct a name search on the CAC portal to ensure your proposed name is not already taken.
- You must propose two unique names.
- The name search and reservation are done entirely online.
- Once approved, the name is reserved for you for 60 days.
Step 2: Appoint Your Trustees
Trustees are the legal directors of the NGO. They are the “members of the board” responsible for the governance and management of the organization.
- You need to appoint a minimum of two trustees. There is no maximum.
- Trustees must be at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and not have a criminal record involving fraud or dishonesty.
- You will need to collect the full names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and a government-issued ID (like NIN, Passport, or Driver’s License) for each trustee.
Step 3: Draft Your NGO’s Constitution
The constitution is the most important document for your NGO. It is the rulebook that governs your operations. The CAC requires your constitution to contain specific clauses, including:
- The official name and address of the NGO.
- The aims and objectives (what you plan to do).
- A detailed governance structure (the roles of the Board of Trustees, etc.).
- A list of your trustees, showing their names and addresses.
- A winding-up clause (stating what will happen to the NGO’s assets if it dissolves).
Step 4: Prepare the Minutes of the Meeting
You must prepare the minutes of the meeting where the trustees were appointed and the decision was made to register the NGO. The minutes should show who attended, the agenda, and the resolutions passed. The minutes must be signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the meeting.
Step 5: The Newspaper Publication (Public Notice)
You must publish a public notice of your intention to register the NGO in two national daily newspapers. This notice must display the proposed name of the NGO and the full names of the trustees. The purpose is to allow the public 28 days to object to the registration if they have valid reasons.
Step 6: Complete the Online Application on the CAC Portal
With all your documents ready, you can now proceed to the CAC Registration Portal to fill out the official application form. This involves inputting all the details of your NGO and its trustees.
Step 7: Uploading Your Documents
You will be required to scan and upload all the necessary documents to the portal. These include:
- The signed minutes of the meeting.
- The two newspaper publications.
- Scanned copies of the trustees’ government-issued IDs.
- Passport-sized photographs of each trustee.
Step 8: Await Approval and Download Your Certificate
After submitting your application and paying the official fees, your application will be reviewed by the CAC. If all your documents are in order and there are no objections, the CAC will approve your registration. You will then be able to download your official Certificate of Incorporation directly from the portal.
The Journey After Registration: Securing Your Future
Congratulations! Once your registration is approved, you have a legal entity. But this is just the beginning. The real work of securing funding starts now, and that’s where we come in. At grantsdatabase.org, we specialize in bridging the gap between newly registered NGOs and legitimate funding opportunities. We understand that a certificate is only as good as the impact it allows you to create. That’s why we also provide essential resources, like our expert guide on How to Write a Compelling Proposal, to help you turn your registration into real-world projects.
Post-Registration: What Comes Next?
Your work isn’t over once the certificate is issued. You must:
- Get a Tax Identification Number (TIN): Apply to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for a TIN for your NGO.
- Register with SCUML: Register with the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), which is mandatory for all Designated Non-Financial Institutions (DNFIs), including NGOs.
- Open a Corporate Bank Account: Use your certificate and TIN to open a bank account in your NGO’s name.
Conclusion
While the process requires diligence, Registering Your NGO in Nigeria is a clear and manageable path. By following these steps, you build a solid legal foundation for your organization. This foundation will empower you to operate transparently, earn public trust, and, most importantly, unlock the funding you need to bring your vision to life and create lasting change in your community.
