LET'S REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS WITH CAC, NCC, NIPO

A Business Name

A business run by only the owner without any other shareholder or director. This has it own limitations but it is a great starting point and it protects your brand identity.

Limited Liability Company (Ltd)

With this business formation, you can have one or more shareholders and directors. This also limits your liabilities by creating a separate entity from you, thereby protecting your personal asset.

Trademark

Protect your sign, name, logo, slogan, domain name, shape, colour or sound which differentiate your business or project from those of another. This grants you exclusive right to that thing registered.

Incorporated Trustees (NGO)

These are strictly for non-profit purposes, such as religious, educational, scientific, literary, social, or charitable objectives. Some of its benefits are the tax exemptions and certain privileges under Nigerian law.

A Business Name is the simplest form of registration in Nigeria, often used by sole proprietors or small partnerships. It gives legal recognition to the name under which the business operates.

Benefits:
Low cost of registration and renewal.
Simple requirements and quick processing by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Provides credibility with customers, banks, and partners.

Limitations:
The owner(s) are personally liable for debts and obligations.
Limited ability to raise capital compared to companies.
Business continuity may be affected by the death or withdrawal of the proprietor.

A Limited Liability Company is a separate legal entity distinct from its owners (shareholders). It may be private (Ltd) or public (Plc).

Benefits:
Shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount invested in shares.
Easier access to funding from banks and investors.
Continuity of the company is not affected by the death or exit of shareholders.
Recognized structure for scaling and expanding internationally.

Limitations:
More complex registration and compliance requirements.
Must adhere to corporate governance rules under CAMA.
Annual returns, tax compliance, and reporting obligations increase running costs.

An Incorporated Trustee structure is commonly used for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charities, associations, and religious bodies.

Benefits:
Grants legal personality to the organization, separate from its trustees.
Provides protection for members since the organization can hold property, sue, or be sued in its own name.
Builds credibility for fundraising and donor support.

Limitations:
Activities must remain non-profit in nature.
Strict regulatory oversight from the CAC.
Trustees are accountable for compliance and reporting obligations.

A Trademark is an intellectual property right that protects a brand name, logo, slogan, or symbol associated with goods or services. It is registered under the Trademarks Act in Nigeria.

Benefits:

  • Provides exclusive rights to use the mark in Nigeria.

  • Protects against imitation, counterfeiting, or brand misuse.

  • Increases brand recognition and business value.

  • Can be licensed or franchised for additional revenue.

Limitations:

  • Registration can be lengthy and requires professional assistance.

  • Protection is territorial (only covers Nigeria unless extended abroad).

  • Trademarks must be renewed periodically to remain valid.

BUSINESS NAME

A Business Name is the simplest form of registration in Nigeria, often used by sole proprietors or small partnerships. It gives legal recognition to the name under which the business operates.

Benefits:
Low cost of registration and renewal.
Simple requirements and quick processing by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Provides credibility with customers, banks, and partners.

Limitations:
The owner(s) are personally liable for debts and obligations.
Limited ability to raise capital compared to companies.
Business continuity may be affected by the death or withdrawal of the proprietor.

LTD

A Limited Liability Company is a separate legal entity distinct from its owners (shareholders). It may be private (Ltd) or public (Plc).

Benefits:
Shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount invested in shares.
Easier access to funding from banks and investors.
Continuity of the company is not affected by the death or exit of shareholders.
Recognized structure for scaling and expanding internationally.

Limitations:
More complex registration and compliance requirements.
Must adhere to corporate governance rules under CAMA.
Annual returns, tax compliance, and reporting obligations increase running costs.

NGO

An Incorporated Trustee structure is commonly used for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charities, associations, and religious bodies.

Benefits:
Grants legal personality to the organization, separate from its trustees.
Provides protection for members since the organization can hold property, sue, or be sued in its own name.
Builds credibility for fundraising and donor support.

Limitations:
Activities must remain non-profit in nature.
Strict regulatory oversight from the CAC.
Trustees are accountable for compliance and reporting obligations.

TRADEMARK

A Trademark is an intellectual property right that protects a brand name, logo, slogan, or symbol associated with goods or services. It is registered under the Trademarks Act in Nigeria.

Benefits:

  • Provides exclusive rights to use the mark in Nigeria.

  • Protects against imitation, counterfeiting, or brand misuse.

  • Increases brand recognition and business value.

  • Can be licensed or franchised for additional revenue.

Limitations:

  • Registration can be lengthy and requires professional assistance.

  • Protection is territorial (only covers Nigeria unless extended abroad).

  • Trademarks must be renewed periodically to remain valid.