Once your business registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission is complete, your responsibilities as a company owner shift from paperwork to strategic operations and regulatory compliance. Post-incorporation isn’t just an administrative formality—it’s the framework for legally running and maintaining a recognized business entity in Nigeria.
Starting With Your TIN and Business Bank Account
After incorporation, securing your Tax Identification Number from the Federal Inland Revenue Service is next. Most times, it’s generated along with your CAC certificate, but if not, it should be manually requested.
Opening a corporate bank account is non-negotiable. You’ll need your CAC documents, TIN, valid ID, and proof of address to separate personal finances from company transactions.
Essential Compliance Obligations After Incorporation
Every registered entity must file annual returns with the Corporate Affairs Commission. It proves the company is still active and compliant with national regulations.
Skipping returns for multiple years attracts penalties and could lead to your company being marked inactive or removed entirely from the register.
Making Updates Through Post-Incorporation Filings
Businesses often need to update their records after incorporation. These updates include things like changes in directorship, address, share capital, or company objectives.
Every change must be documented and submitted through the CAC post-incorporation portal. Failing to do this could invalidate future transactions.
Switching to Digital CAC Post-Incorporation Portal
Before, all updates had to be made physically at CAC offices. Now, the online platform lets companies manage all post-registration changes digitally.
This digital process not only streamlines operations but also encourages better compliance and data management.
How to Create Account for Post-Incorporation
To access these features, you must set up a user account on the CAC post-incorporation portal. The form is simple and asks for basic identification and business details.
If you’re an accredited agent, ensure the email used matches your accreditation records. If it’s different, you can request a manual update at a CAC office.
Key Forms for Post-Incorporation Activities
Several statutory forms are used to notify CAC of structural or operational changes. These include name changes, share allotments, and updates on directors or business activities.
Forms like CAC 2A (Return of Allotment), CAC 7A (Change of Directors), and CAC 3 (Change of Address) are standard and must be filed when relevant events occur.
Downloading CAC Post-Incorporation Forms
If you prefer handling the process manually or through a professional, forms can be downloaded from the Corporate Affairs Commission login portal.
Navigate to the “Resources” section, and you’ll find a full list of downloadable forms for any required update.
Filing Forms Directly Through CAC Portal
If you’re filing online, there’s no need to download the forms separately. Once logged in, the portal presents you with fillable versions of required forms.
Complete the form, pay via Remita, and submit. After approval, you can download your receipt and the approved form.
Required Documents for Annual Returns Filing
Filing annual returns involves submitting audited financials, directors’ and auditors’ reports, and a declaration that no public offering was made unless previously disclosed.
All these documents must be signed by an authorized director and secretary.
Change of Company Name Requirements
To officially change a company’s name, you must submit the proposed name for approval, a signed resolution by directors, and updated Articles of Association reflecting the new name.
Also, the old incorporation certificate must be cancelled and replaced with a new one.
Altering Memorandum and Articles of Association
If you’re modifying your business structure or internal rules, you must file a resolution signed by authorized officers, submit updated versions marked “as altered,” and pay the required fees.
This process must be completed within 15 days of passing the resolution unless the changes require additional court approvals.
Updating Director Information
Changing directors requires formal resolutions, complete forms indicating new director details, and supportive documents like resignation letters or death certificates where relevant.
This must be filed within 14 days of board resolution and after updating your annual returns.
Appointing or Removing a Company Secretary
When there’s a change in company secretary, submit a board resolution signed by two directors along with a completed form for the new appointment.
The notification must be filed within 14 days of the resolution.
Changing Registered Office Address
To update your office address, file a resolution signed by directors, complete the notice of change, and pay the associated fees.
The new address must be a verifiable physical location in Nigeria, not a P.O. box.
Reporting Share Allotments
Share allotments must be reported within 30 days. Submit the return of allotment form, a board resolution, and proof of paid annual dues.
Also, update Section 553 filings if needed.
Registering a Merger or Acquisition
If merging with another company or acquiring one, a special resolution must be passed, along with a court order approving the merger.
You’ll also need to cancel the old certificates and update annual returns and other statutory documents.
Certified True Copies and Document Requests
Requesting certified true copies requires a formal application, payment of the applicable fees, and proof that the requester is authorized to act on behalf of the company.
An updated annual return must also be on file before processing.
Post-Incorporation Fees for Companies
Fees vary based on the type of filing and the company classification. For instance, registering a name change costs ₦10,000, while a share capital increase for a public company costs ₦20,000 per ₦1 million.
Other fees include ₦1,000 for annual returns, ₦6,000 for a certified copy of incorporation, and ₦2,000 for changes in director information.
Fees for Business Name Updates
Businesses registered under a business name structure have lower filing fees. Annual return filings cost ₦300, while changes in name or address cost between ₦1,000 and ₦2,000.
A certified copy of the business name certificate goes for ₦1,000.
Incorporated Trustees Post-Incorporation Charges
For incorporated trustees, changing names or trustees costs ₦10,000, while annual return filing is ₦1,000. Certified document copies cost between ₦500 and ₦5,000.
New registrations of incorporated trustees are charged at ₦20,000.
How to Pay for Post-Incorporation Services
To make payments, log into your CAC portal account and complete the necessary form for your desired service. Once submitted, the portal generates a Remita payment code.
Use this code at any commercial bank in Nigeria to complete the transaction. Always keep your confirmation for follow-up.
Secure Your Compliance With Every Update
Post-incorporation isn’t just about compliance; it also ensures your company remains visible and trustworthy to investors, partners, and regulators.
From updating directorship to handling mergers, every change must go through the CAC portal to stay legally recognized.
Article updated 4 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
