The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has officially announced an upward review of several post-incorporation service fees, which will take effect from August 1, 2025.
This fee adjustment, however, does not affect the cost of registering a new business or company. The revised rates apply strictly to services rendered after incorporation—such as striking off a company, relisting, due diligence searches, and obtaining certified documents.
In its public notice, CAC explained that the review was necessary to reflect current economic conditions, rising administrative costs, and to support its ongoing efforts to improve digital service delivery.
🔍 Why the Fee Review Matters
The Corporate Affairs Commission is empowered by law to regulate the formation, management, and dissolution of companies and allied entities in Nigeria.
This fee revision will impact:
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Registered companies (Limited, Public, GTE)
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Business Names
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Incorporated Trustees (e.g., NGOs, religious bodies)
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Limited Liability Partnerships
While the changes may appear modest, businesses that rely on frequent CAC filings or documentation services should take note, as costs will increase in key areas.
Summary of Key Changes
Here is a simplified table showing the revised fees and how they compare to previous charges:
| Service Description | Old Fee (₦) | New Fee (₦) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary striking-off (small companies) | 25,000 | 50,000 | Cost has doubled |
| Voluntary striking-off (public companies) | 25,000 | 100,000 | Now four times the previous fee |
| Relisting of company (Ltd/GTE) | Not applicable | 50,000 | New fee introduced |
| Relisting of public company | Not applicable | 100,000 | New fee introduced |
| Extension to hold AGM (private/NGO) | Not applicable | 50,000 | New fee introduced |
| Extension to hold AGM (public companies) | Not applicable | 100,000 | New fee introduced |
| Self-service due diligence search | Not applicable | 50,000 | Now attracts a fee |
| Historical search report | 20,000 | 30,000 | Increased by ₦10,000 |
| Certified true copies of documents (per page) | 5,000 | 5,000 | No change |
| Restriction of address of a director/proprietor | Not applicable | 25,000 | New fee introduced |
Legal and Business Implications
From a compliance and legal perspective, these changes require attention from:
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Company secretaries and legal departments, who handle routine filings and AGM scheduling;
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Investors and transaction advisors, who depend on CAC records for due diligence;
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NGOs and trustees, who may need to relist or update their corporate records;
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Directors and entrepreneurs, who must ensure timely filings to avoid penalties or unnecessary costs.
Businesses planning to voluntarily strike off a company, apply for an extension to hold their annual general meetings (AGMs), or obtain certified documents should do so before August 1, 2025 to avoid paying the higher rates.
Practical Steps to Take Now
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Complete outstanding filings (especially strike-offs or relistings) before the new rates take effect.
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Review your company’s compliance calendar, especially if you plan to postpone an AGM.
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Download or request necessary CAC documents while the current fees are still in place.
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Inform your board or management team about the upcoming changes so they can plan appropriately.
Implementation Timeline
| Effective Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Now – July 31, 2025 | Existing service fees remain valid |
| From August 1, 2025 | New service fees become applicable |
Final Note
The CAC’s revised fee schedule is designed to improve service delivery, particularly in line with its digital transformation agenda. While the changes may increase filing costs, they are intended to promote efficiency and faster access to corporate records and services.
To avoid unnecessary expenses, business owners, directors, and legal advisors are encouraged to engage corporate law experts like ica.ng to take timely action ahead of the implementation date.
For more information or to view the full fee schedule, visit the CAC’s official website at www.cac.gov.ng or go directly to https://www.cac.gov.ng/resources.
