How to register a non-governmental organisation in Nigeria

 

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are usually established by like-minded people to promote religious, educational, literary, scientific, social/cultural development, sporting or other charitable causes.

 

In Nigeria, persons seeking to operate NGOs can register their organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as an Incorporated Trustee. By doing so, the registered trustees enjoy the benefits of incorporation. The registration and operation of Incorporated Trustees is governed by CAC in accordance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020.

 

Any person can be registered as a trustee of an NGO except an infant, a person of unsound mind, an undischarged bankrupt or a person who has been convicted of a crime relating to fraud or dishonesty. There is no limit to the number of trustees, however, an IT must have at least 2 trustees, one of whom will be appointed as the Chairman.

 

Some of the benefits of registering an IT include:

 

• The NGO becomes a corporate entity with a corporate image, perpetual succession and ability to acquire assets and incur liability in its own name;
• The name of the NGO is preserved, and cannot be used by any other Association;
• The members and trustees become protected from personal liability, as the NGO acquires corporate personality;
• Incorporated Trustees are exempted from some tax liabilities as a result of being non-profit organizations.

 

The process for registration of an IT is carried out entirely online on the CAC Portal where the application form will be filled in, and all the accompanying documents will be uploaded. The application is to be accompanied by the following documents:

 

• Newspaper Publications – a notice of intention to register an IT must be published in two (2) daily newspapers circulating in the areas where the Association is to be situated inviting objections to the registration within 28 days following the publication.

 

• Constitution of the NGO – any IT sought to be registered must have its Constitution. The Constitution is expected to set out rules pertaining to the appointment of the trustees, the aims and objectives of the organization, and all other issues regulation the activities and the management of the IT.

 

• Minutes of Meetings – this is expected to show the voting pattern for the appointment of the trustees and the secretary of the Association, and the agreement by the members that the NGO be registered as an IT.

 

• Trustee Declaration Form – to be attested to, and signed by all the appointed trustees of the NGO.

 

• Identity documents for all trustees – this included passport photographs and personal IDs.

 

It is important to engage the services of a professional for this service. Apart from the fact that the CAC portal is not accessible by any person who is not accredited, engaging a professional allows you to have access to all the information required to ensure a seamless registration process.

It is also worthy of note that the obligation to CAC does not end at the point of registering an Association. Incorporated Trustees are expected to file their Bi-Annual Statement of Affairs in January and July of every year that it continues to operate, and Annual Returns are mandatory, to be filed for every year after the year of incorporation.

Team 618 Bees

 

 

618 Bees can quickly and easily help you register your non-profit with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Log on to our website www.618bees.com or email hello@618bees.com, or give us a call on +2349017190079/08080819653 so we can complete your registration with the CAC.

 

 

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618 Bees can quickly and easily help you register your non-profit with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Log on to our website www.618bees.com or email hello@618bees.com, or give us a call on +2349017190079/08080819653 so we can complete your registration with the CAC.