Register your NGO, church, foundation or association with CAC
Incorporated trustees registration for non-profits anywhere in Nigeria — NGOs, churches, mosques, foundations, clubs, alumni and professional associations. From ₦150,000 all-in including newspaper publications.
Incorporated trustees is the CAC structure for organisations that exist for religious, educational, charitable, social, cultural or sporting purposes rather than profit. Once registered, your organisation becomes a legal entity: it can open a bank account, own land and property, receive donations and grants, sign contracts and sue or be sued in its own name.
The process is more demanding than a company — a constitution, trustees’ declarations, minutes of the meeting appointing trustees, and two newspaper publications. Topweb Technologies drafts every document, places the publications and manages the CAC review from start to certificate.
- NGOs, foundations and charities
- Churches, ministries and mosques
- Clubs, alumni and community associations
- Professional and trade associations
- Cooperative-style groups and unions
- Constitution drafting included
Incorporated trustees registration cost
| What you need | Official CAC fee | Topweb all-in price | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incorporated trustees (NGO, church, association) | CAC filing fee + 2 newspaper publications + name reservation | from ₦150,000 | 4–8 weeks |
| Constitution drafting | — | Included | — |
| Add-on: SCUML certificate (required by banks for NGOs) | Free at EFCC | from ₦65,000 | 1–2 weeks |
| Add-on: TIN | Free at FIRS/JTB | from ₦10,000 | 2–5 working days |
Newspaper publication costs vary by paper; our all-in price uses two national dailies acceptable to CAC.
What CAC needs for incorporated trustees
- Two proposed names (must end in a descriptive word, e.g. Foundation, Ministry, Association, Initiative)
- Aims and objectives of the organisation
- Minimum of two trustees with ID, passport photos, addresses, phone and email
- Chairman and secretary of the board of trustees
- Constitution (we draft it)
- Minutes of the meeting where trustees were appointed (we draft it)
- Trustees’ declaration form (sworn at a High Court — we guide you)
- Registered address in Nigeria
- Common seal impression (optional since CAMA 2020)
Incorporated trustees registration in 4 steps
Send your details
Names, objectives and trustee details on WhatsApp. We check name availability the same day.
We draft & publish
Constitution, minutes and declarations prepared; notice published in two national newspapers.
CAC review period
28 days for objections, then CAC review. We handle every query.
Certificate delivered
Certificate of incorporation and status report sent as PDF and hard copy on request.
NGO, church & association registration — FAQ
How much does it cost to register an NGO or church with CAC?
Incorporated trustees registration costs from ₦150,000 all-in with Topweb. It is more than a company because CAC requires two newspaper publications of the notice of registration, and the documentation (constitution, trustees’ declarations, minutes) is more involved.
How long does incorporated trustees registration take?
Usually 4–8 weeks. Name reservation is quick, but the mandatory 28-day newspaper publication period and CAC review add time. We keep you updated at every stage.
How many trustees do I need?
A minimum of two trustees. Trustees must be at least 18, of sound mind, not bankrupt and not convicted of fraud or dishonesty in the last five years.
What is a constitution and do I need one?
Yes. Every incorporated trustee needs a constitution that states the name, aims and objectives, membership, meetings, trustees and how funds are managed. We provide a CAC-compliant template and adapt it to your organisation.
Can a church, mosque or foundation open a bank account without CAC registration?
No. Banks require the CAC certificate of incorporation (incorporated trustees), the trustees’ details and usually a SCUML certificate. Registration is what makes the organisation a legal entity that can own property and receive donations.
Does an NGO need SCUML?
Yes. NGOs, churches and charities are Designated Non-Financial Institutions and must register with EFCC’s SCUML. Banks will not open or maintain the account without it. We handle SCUML too.
What is the difference between incorporated trustees and a company limited by guarantee?
Incorporated trustees is the standard structure for NGOs, churches, associations and clubs. A company limited by guarantee is another non-profit structure but requires the Attorney-General’s consent and takes much longer. For most organisations, incorporated trustees is the right choice.
Just registered? Look the part.
Most clients bundle registration with branding and a website. Everything is delivered by one team, so it all matches.
Logo + letterhead + ID card
Branding packages from ₦15,000 — logo, complimentary card, letterhead and ID card.
Business website
Business websites from ₦200,000 — domain, hosting, CMS, on-page SEO and support included.
TIN registration
Get your Tax Identification Number for the new company — needed for the corporate account.
Register your organisation
Tell us the name and purpose of your NGO, church or association — we’ll send a checklist and exact quote today.