By DAYO ADESULU
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has officially announced a revised fee structure that will come into force on August 1, 2025, marking a significant shift in the cost of doing business in Nigeria. This move, dubbed the CAC Service Fee Review 2025, affects companies, business names, limited partnerships, and incorporated trustees. CAC Service Fee Review 2025
With new charges across several post-incorporation services, legal professionals, compliance officers, and entrepreneurs must prepare for updated financial obligations. But what exactly is changing—and why now?
Overview of the CAC’s Announcement
In a public notice issued on Tuesday and obtained by PUNCH Online, the CAC confirmed that the updated fee structure is the result of “careful consideration of prevailing economic realities and stakeholder engagements.”
Effective August 1, 2025, the Commission aims to align service fees with operational demands and to fund its transition to fully digital services.
Economic Justification Behind the Fee Changes
The Commission cited three core reasons for the update:
- Rising operational costs
- Inflationary pressures
- The demand for robust digital platforms
By reviewing its fees, the CAC says it hopes to sustain quality delivery, remain transparent, and provide a better user experience across its platforms.
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Stakeholder Consultations and Policy Input
Prior to implementation, CAC engaged with key stakeholders in the:
- Legal and compliance sectors
- Small and medium business owners
- Public and private corporate entities
The consensus favored “a modest, competitive revision” that supports service innovation and registry integrity.
What’s Changing in the CAC Fee Structure?
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect under the CAC Service Fee Review 2025:
Revised Fees for Registered Companies
| Service | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Voluntary Striking-Off (Small Co.) | ₦25,000 | ₦50,000 |
| Voluntary Striking-Off (Public Co.) | ₦25,000 | ₦100,000 |
| Relisting LTD/GTE | ₦— | ₦50,000 |
| Relisting Public Co. | ₦— | ₦100,000 |
| AGM Extension (Private Co.) | ₦— | ₦50,000 |
| AGM Extension (Public Co.) | ₦— | ₦100,000 |
| Due Diligence Search (Self-Service) | ₦— | ₦50,000 |
| Historical Search Reports | ₦— | ₦20,000–₦30,000 |
| Certified True Copy of Documents | ₦— | ₦5,000 per copy |
| Director’s Address Restriction | ₦— | ₦25,000 |
Revised Fees for Limited Partnerships (LPs)
- Voluntary Striking-Off & Relisting: ₦25,000
- Registration & CTC of Documents: ₦30,000
- Change of Name: ₦10,000
- Letter of Good Standing: ₦10,000
Business Names and Sole Proprietorships
- Voluntary Striking-Off & Relisting: ₦25,000
- Application for Cessation: ₦10,000
- Certified Copy of Documents: ₦5,000
- Restriction of Proprietor’s Address: ₦25,000
Special Provisions: Name Reservation and Restricted Terms
- Standard Name Reservation: ₦1,000 (unchanged)
- Reserved Words or Sensitive Names: ₦5,000
This ensures the process remains affordable for general applicants while controlling access to strategic or regulatory-sensitive names.
How This Impacts Nigerian Entrepreneurs and SMEs
For startups and SMEs, this increase could affect:
- Budget planning for post-incorporation filings
- Legal and compliance costs
- Document verification processes
Many small businesses will need to factor these changes into annual compliance and legal service contracts.
Benefits of the Fee Adjustment According to CAC
The CAC argues that the fee hike is necessary to:
- Modernize internal systems
- Fund the transition to a digital-first registry
- Promote customer satisfaction
- Maintain database integrity
The Commission remains committed to building a responsive, transparent, and efficient business environment.
Public Reaction & Sector Concerns
While the policy is generally seen as necessary, concerns remain among:
- Legal practitioners, who worry about higher client acquisition costs
- SMEs, who fear increased operational burden
The Nigerian Bar Association and SME advocacy groups have called for periodic reviews and possibly scaled pricing.
Recommendations for Business Owners and Legal Advisors
- Review all outstanding CAC obligations before August 1, 2025
- Download the full fee schedule from www.cac.gov.ng
- Set aside budget buffers for future filings
- Automate your compliance calendar to avoid last-minute fees
Timeline: Key Dates to Note
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Public Notification | June 2025 |
| Fee Review Implementation | August 1, 2025 |
| Stakeholder Consultations | Q2 2025 |
Accessing the Full CAC Fee Schedule
You can access the full reviewed list of fees at:
- CAC Resources Page
- Or by visiting www.cac.gov.ng
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the new CAC fees take effect? The new fee structure starts August 1, 2025.
2. Will name reservation prices change? No. Standard names remain ₦1,000; restricted words cost ₦5,000.
3. How does this affect SMEs? It increases filing costs. SMEs should revise their legal and compliance budgets.
4. What is the cost of getting certified true copies now? ₦5,000 per copy, across all categories.
5. Where can I download the full fee list? Visit the CAC official site.
6. Are there any discounts for startups or micro-businesses? No specific discounts announced yet, but advocacy is ongoing.
Conclusion: Preparing for a New Era of CAC Operations
As the CAC Service Fee Review 2025 comes into effect, businesses must realign their strategies to accommodate the revised fees. By investing in compliance and automation, companies can stay ahead of regulatory changes and take full advantage of CAC’s digital transformation.
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