CAC Extends New Service Fees Implementation to October 1

Punchngs July 29, 2025

CAC Extends New Service Fees Implementation to October 1

Business
31.08.2025
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The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigeria’s corporate regulatory body, has officially announced the extension of its new service fees implementation to October 1, 2025. Originally scheduled for September, the decision to push back the rollout date comes after consultations with stakeholders and appeals from business owners, entrepreneurs, and professional associations

This move is expected to give Nigerians, particularly startups and small businesses, more time to adjust to the new fee structure while also ensuring seamless compliance with registration and post-incorporation requirements.

According to the CAC, the extension was necessary to allow adequate sensitization, stakeholder engagement, and technical adjustments before the new charges take effect. Many businesses had expressed concerns over the short timeframe to adapt to the new regime, especially as the adjustments affect key services such as:

Business name registration
Company incorporation
Annual returns filing
Post-incorporation services (change of directors, shareholding adjustments, etc.)

By extending the effective date to October 1, the CAC aims to strike a balance between raising service standards and addressing public concerns about affordability and accessibility.

While the CAC has not made sweeping changes across all categories, the updated fee structure reflects adjustments in line with current economic realities and operational costs. Among the notable revisions are:

Business Name Registration: A modest upward review compared to previous charges.
Company Incorporation: Adjusted fees depending on share capital thresholds.
Post-Incorporation Services: Revised costs for services like amendments, certified true copies, and updates.
Annual Returns: Updated filing fees with penalties for late compliance.

The CAC emphasized that these new fees are designed to improve service delivery, digitize more processes, and align with international best practices.

The extension to October 1 offers breathing space for business owners, SMEs, and startups to plan ahead. Some of the key implications include:

Financial Planning: Entrepreneurs can finalize registrations or filings under the current lower rates before the new fees kick in.
Compliance Push: The extension serves as a reminder for businesses to file outstanding annual returns or update their records.
Digital Transition: With CAC’s ongoing migration to a fully digital platform, businesses must adapt to online service requests and payments.
Impact on Startups: Early-stage businesses may feel the effect of higher costs, but improved efficiency and reduced bureaucracy could balance this out in the long run.

Business associations and professional bodies such as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), and other private sector advocates have welcomed the extension. Many had earlier requested a grace period to allow businesses adjust before implementation.

On social media, entrepreneurs also praised the decision, noting that it would help small businesses avoid rushed filings and last-minute compliance costs.

The CAC has made it clear that the new fee structure is part of a broader strategy to modernize Nigeria’s business regulatory environment. The commission has already digitized several processes, introduced an online business registration portal, and partnered with other government agencies to reduce duplication of efforts.By October 1, the commission expects smoother implementation, with fewer bottlenecks and better service experience for users across Nigeria and abroad.

From an SEO perspective, the CAC extension is a highly relevant news item in Nigeria’s business and corporate regulation space. Searches for terms like CAC new service fees 2025, CAC business registration Nigeria, and CAC fees extension are trending on Google.Business websites, corporate law firms, and financial bloggers are leveraging this update to inform readers, attract organic traffic, and improve domain authority in the corporate compliance niche.

The announcement that the CAC has extended the implementation of new service fees to October 1, 2025, is a welcome development for many Nigerian businesses. It reflects the commission’s willingness to listen to stakeholder concerns while maintaining its commitment to reforming and digitizing Nigeria’s business environment.For entrepreneurs and established companies alike, this extension is an opportunity to update records, take advantage of existing lower rates, and prepare for a smoother transition into the new regime.

Table of Contents

Why is CAC Registration Taking So Long?

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is Nigeria’s body responsible for registering businesses, companies, and incorporated trustees. Recently, many applicants have raised concerns about delays in processing.

There are several reasons why CAC registration may take longer than expected:

High Volume of Applications: With thousands of entrepreneurs applying daily, the system can become congested.
Incomplete Documentation: Missing signatures, wrong details, or incorrect documents can delay approval.
Technical Issues: Since the CAC migrated to an online platform, occasional glitches affect timelines.
Verification Process: Names and details must be carefully verified to prevent duplication or fraud.

While the commission is working to improve efficiency, applicants are advised to double-check their applications and ensure proper documentation before submission.

How Many Days Does It Take to Approve CAC Registration?

On average, CAC registration approval takes between 3 to 10 working days depending on the type of registration. For business names, the process is usually quicker (around 3–5 days). For companies and incorporated trustees, it may take longer because of additional compliance checks.

However, delays can extend this period to 2–4 weeks if there are errors, high traffic, or requests for further clarification.

How Much Is CAC Filing Fee?

The CAC filing fee varies depending on the type of entity being registered:

Business Name Registration: Between ₦10,000 and ₦15,000 depending on service providers.
Private Company (Limited by Shares): ₦25,000 – ₦50,000 depending on share capital.
Annual Returns: Fees vary depending on the company’s category, often between ₦5,000 – ₦10,000.
Post-Incorporation Services: Charges apply for changes such as directors, shareholding, and amendments.

It’s important to note that filing fees are distinct from professional service charges if you engage a lawyer or accredited CAC agent.

How to Confirm Payment on CAC Portal?

After making a payment on the CAC portal, you can confirm it by following these steps:

Log in to your CAC account on the official portal: https://pre.cac.gov.ng.
Go to the “Transaction History” or “Payment History” section.
Check for the status of your payment – it should display as “Successful” or “Approved.”
If payment shows pending, wait 24 hours and refresh.
For unresolved issues, contact CAC support with your RRR (Remita Retrieval Reference) number.

Keeping a copy of your payment receipt is also advised for future reference.

In summary, CAC registration delays are often caused by incomplete applications, technical issues, or high application volumes. While approvals typically take 3–10 working days, applicants should plan ahead for possible delays. Filing fees depend on the type of business, and payments can be easily confirmed on the CAC portal through your account dashboard.With proper documentation and patience, business owners can successfully complete their registration and enjoy the benefits of formal recognition in Nigeria’s business environment.