2025 Complete Guide for Lebanese Entrepreneurs Expanding into Nigeria
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets, has become a top destination for Lebanese investors looking to expand into West Africa. With over 200 million consumers, vast opportunities in real estate, construction, trade, manufacturing, and logistics, and a vibrant business environment, Nigeria presents enormous potential for Lebanese entrepreneurs seeking diversification beyond the Middle East.
In this detailed 2025 guide, we break down how a Lebanese can register or incorporate a company in Nigeria from Lebanon, including requirements, step-by-step procedures, cost estimates, timelines, and essential details for opening a Nigerian bank account remotely, even before setting foot in the country.
Overview of Doing Business in Nigeria for Lebanese Investors
Lebanese entrepreneurs have a long-standing commercial history in Nigeria, especially in sectors such as construction, retail, and hospitality. With the modernisation of Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) platform, foreign investors can now register companies completely online, without the need to physically visit Nigeria.
The Nigerian business registration ecosystem is now driven by the CAC’s AI-powered registration portal, which allows for digital incorporation, electronic issuance of certificates, and virtual document submission.
Once registered, a Nigerian company can operate across all 36 states and the FCT, opening pathways for Lebanese investors to explore high-growth opportunities within the ECOWAS subregion.
Step-by-Step Process for Lebanese to Incorporate a Company in Nigeria
Step 1: Choose Your Business Name
Begin by proposing two potential company names. These names will undergo an availability search on the CAC’s online portal.
The system typically approves one of them within Minutes.
Step 2: Provide Director and Shareholder Details
Prepare the personal and corporate details for all directors and shareholders.
Required information includes:
| Details Needed | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Names | As stated on passport |
| Nationality | Lebanese |
| Date of Birth | DD/MM/YYYY |
| Gender | Male/Female |
| Residential Address | Lebanon or Nigeria |
| Email & Phone | For correspondence |
| Scanned Signature | On plain white sheet |
| Valid ID | Passport or Lebanese National ID |
Note: A Lebanese investor may be the sole shareholder and director of the company.
However, operating efficiently in Nigeria requires a residency permit (CERPAC card), which is essential for obtaining a Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identification Number (NIN), both mandatory for bank account opening and compliance filings.Hence, many foreign investors initially appoint a Nigerian resident director to help manage day-to-day operations until they obtain their CERPAC permit.
Step 3: Determine Shareholding Structure
Decide how company ownership will be distributed.
A minimum of one shareholder is required, and capital can be divided according to your business plan.
For example:
| Shareholder | Nationality | % Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Rami K. | Lebanese | 80% |
| Mr. Musa A. | Nigerian | 20% |
Step 4: Define Business Objectives
Outline the proposed line of business activities, such as import/export, manufacturing, construction, real estate, or general trading.
This description will appear on the CAC incorporation Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Step 5: Provide Registered Office Address
Every Nigerian company must have a local registered address.
If you do not yet have one, a professional service provider can offer a temporary registered office address valid for one year.
Step 6: Submit Incorporation Documents Online
All incorporation documents, including directors’ details, share allocation, and identification, are uploaded directly to the CAC AI-powered portal.
There is no physical filing or in-person submission. The Certificate of Incorporation, Status Report, Memart and TIN (Tax Identification Number) are all issued electronically.
Post-Incorporation Steps
After your company is successfully registered, these additional steps are required for full operational readiness.
1. Obtain a SCUML Certificate
The Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) registration is mandatory for businesses opening bank accounts or engaging in financial services.
Processing time: 5–7 working days
2. Tax Registration and TIN Upgrade
Once incorporated, your business must be registered with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for tax purposes.
You will also need to obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) within your first few months of operation.
Processing time: 3–5 weeks
3. Director Identification Verification
All directors’ identities must be verified using CAC and FIRS integrated systems.
Processing time: Same day
4. Open a Nigerian Bank Account
Upon receiving your TIN and SCUML certificate, you can proceed to open a corporate bank account.
If the Lebanese investor is not yet resident in Nigeria, a Nigerian-resident director must complete the BVN-linked verification.
Important: A Lebanese national can open a corporate bank account once they have a valid CERPAC card and BVN/NIN.
Without these, the bank will require a resident director to serve as signatory until the investor regularizes their residency.
Estimated Timeline and Total Cost
| Service | Timeline | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Company Incorporation (100M Share Capital) | 7–14 working days | $1,775 |
| SCUML Certificate | 5–7 working days | $60 |
| TIN & Tax Clearance | 3–5 weeks | $275 |
| Director ID Verification | Same day | $150 |
| Bank Account Opening Assistance | After TIN issuance | $80 |
| Registered Office Address (1 year) | Immediate | $250 |
| Director Change (Post-Incorporation) | 2–4 working days | $60 |
| Total (All-inclusive) | 35 working days | $2,650 |
Bank Account Opening Options for Lebanese Investors
Several top-tier Nigerian banks, such as Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GTBANK, and UBA, facilitate foreign-owned business accounts.
To open a Nigerian corporate bank account, you will need:
-
CAC Certificate of Incorporation
-
TIN and Tax Clearance Certificate
-
SCUML Certificate
-
Utility bill (for Nigerian office)
-
BVN/NIN (for authorised signatories)
-
Passport and photograph of directors
Why Lebanese Investors Choose Nigeria
-
Population advantage: Over 200 million consumers
-
Strategic location: Gateway to ECOWAS’s 15-nation market
-
Growing economy: GDP of over $400 billion
-
Strong Lebanese community: A well-established diaspora network in Lagos and Abuja
-
Ease of incorporation: Fully digital process through CAC’s AI system
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a Lebanese own 100% of a Nigerian company?
Yes. Nigeria allows full foreign ownership. However, to operate efficiently, the foreign director must obtain a CERPAC card and BVN.
2. Do I need to visit Nigeria to register my company?
No. The process is fully online through the CAC AI-powered portal. You can complete the entire registration from Lebanon.
3. How long does it take to incorporate a company?
Between 7–14 working days, depending on document readiness.
4. Can I open a Nigerian bank account from Lebanon?
Yes, but the account will be activated only after TIN, SCUML, and BVN verification, typically via a resident director.
5. Is there a minimum share capital for foreigners?
For most businesses, ₦100 million is the standard nominal capital used to demonstrate foreign investment strength.
Conclusion
For Lebanese investors seeking to tap into West Africa’s powerhouse economy, Nigeria offers unmatched opportunities. Thanks to the fully digital CAC platform, you can now register your Nigerian company entirely from Lebanon, obtain all corporate documentation online, and prepare to launch operations even before visiting the country.
To ensure a smooth process, it’s advisable to engage an experienced Nigerian corporate service provider to handle regulatory filings, SCUML registration, and bank liaison, ensuring compliance and efficiency from start to finish.
Key Takeaway:
A Lebanese entrepreneur can legally register a Nigerian company 100% remotely, but to operate efficiently and open a functional bank account, they will eventually need to secure a residency permit (CERPAC) and BVN/NIN.
