About Us

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is a federal agency in Nigeria responsible for the regulation, registration, and oversight of companies, businesses, and other corporate entities. Established under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) of 1990, the CAC plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with corporate laws and fostering an enabling environment for business operations. It serves as the gateway for business registration in Nigeria and is central to maintaining transparency and corporate governance in the Nigerian business landscape.

Establishment and Legal Framework

The CAC was created to enhance and streamline the process of registering businesses, thereby promoting ease of doing business in Nigeria. Its operations are governed by the provisions of CAMA, which outlines the legal foundation for:

  • Corporate governance.
  • Business registration and incorporation.
  • Rights and obligations of corporate entities.
  • Rules for the management and dissolution of companies.

CAMA empowers the CAC to enforce corporate compliance, safeguard public and shareholder interests, and regulate corporate conduct in Nigeria.

Functions of the Commission

As stipulated in Section 7 of CAMA, the key functions of the CAC are as follows:

Administration of Corporate Laws:
  • Regulates the formation, incorporation, management, and dissolution of companies.
  • Enforces compliance with corporate regulations and governance principles.
 Maintenance of a Company Registry:
  • Maintains an accurate and up-to-date registry of companies, business names, and incorporated trustees across all states of the Federation.
  • Ensures public access to corporate records as permitted by law.
Investigative Powers:
  • Conducts investigations into the affairs of companies when the interests of shareholders or the public demand.
  • Can take action to protect stakeholders in cases of corporate fraud, mismanagement, or other violations.
Business Registration Services:
  • Registers business names, companies, and incorporated trustees.
  • Issues certificates of incorporation or registration, which are critical for businesses to operate legally.
Ancillary Services:
  • Offers post-incorporation services, such as filing annual returns, changes to company structure, and other business amendments.
  • Provides regulatory guidance and other services necessary to fully implement the provisions of CAMA.

Vision

To be a world-class company registry providing excellent registration and regulatory services.

Mission

We are committed to delivering registration and regulatory services that meet stakeholder expectations, ultimately contributing to national economic growth.

Core Values

The CAC is guided by the following principles:

  • Courtesy: Providing courteous and respectful services to all stakeholders.
  • Integrity: Upholding transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct in all dealings.
  • Dedication: Demonstrating a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Efficiency: Ensuring prompt and seamless service delivery, leveraging modern technology and innovation.

Key Contributions of CAC to Nigeria’s Economy

  • Ease of Doing Business: By simplifying business registration processes, the CAC plays a significant role in improving Nigeria’s business climate and enhancing the country’s global ease-of-doing-business ranking.
  • Investor Confidence: The CAC’s robust regulatory framework fosters investor confidence by ensuring transparency and fair business practices.
  • Corporate Governance: Through its oversight and investigative powers, the CAC promotes accountability, corporate governance, and shareholder protection.
  • Support for SMEs: The Commission provides tailored services to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are critical to Nigeria’s economic development.

Conclusion

The Corporate Affairs Commission plays a critical role in Nigeria’s business ecosystem by ensuring compliance with corporate laws and providing a seamless process for company registration and regulation. Through its legal mandate, the CAC promotes transparency, accountability, and corporate governance, which are essential for economic growth and stability. With a strong focus on stakeholder service and continuous improvement, the CAC remains committed to fostering a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria.