Introduction
When registering incorporated trustees like NGOs, churches, mosques, alumni groups, or associations with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria, one critical step involves newspaper publication. This process, though seemingly straightforward, is where many people get it wrong—leading to costly delays, rejected applications, and repeated efforts.
This article breaks down the most common CAC newspaper publication mistakes you must avoid. These insights will help anyone managing their publication independently or supervising others. They also serve as a reliable reference if you’re engaging CAC registration services like Zfrica’s.
Why Newspaper Publication Matters in CAC Registration
Under CAC rules for registering incorporated trustees, you must publish a public notice in two separate national daily newspapers. This public notice informs the public about your intent to register an entity and invites any objections within a 28-day window.
The newspaper notice must include:
- The name of the organization
- Objectives
- Names of trustees
- Signatures from authorized persons (trustees or secretary)
The aim is transparency—but any mistake in how or where this notice is published can lead CAC to query the application, forcing re-publication and delay.
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Mistake #1: Listing People Who Are Not Actual Trustees
How This Happens
Some organizations allow third parties—like secretaries—to handle publications. During the process, the publisher may ask for additional names, such as a secretary. If you submit those names, and they appear in the published notice, CAC will interpret them as trustees.
Consequences
Once someone’s name appears in the newspaper notice, CAC expects them to also appear in the portal filing as a trustee. If not, CAC will raise a trustee mismatch query, halting the process.
Example
Imagine listing your organization’s secretary in the publication to satisfy a newspaper’s request. If they don’t appear as a trustee in your application, CAC will demand a correction—either by updating the application to include them as a trustee or by re-publishing without them.
Solution
Double-check trustee names before publication. Only list those who are officially recognized as trustees. If in doubt, consult your CAC filing draft first.
Mistake #2: Publishing in Weekend or Unrecognized Newspapers
CAC’s Requirement
CAC insists on national daily newspapers—this excludes weekend editions and any paper not circulated nationally.
Common Misstep
Some clients publish notices in Saturday or Sunday editions, or even regional or weekend-only newspapers. These are not accepted by CAC, and the application will be queried.
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Why It’s a Problem
Weekend newspapers do not meet CAC’s “daily” criteria. This rule exists to ensure wide public visibility and compliance.
How to Avoid
- Always confirm the publication date falls between Monday and Friday.
- Choose reputable dailies like Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian, or ThisDay.
- Verify that the paper circulates nationally, not regionally.
Example
One client used a Sunday paper to save costs—only to find their application queried. They had to re-publish in two Monday-Friday editions and resubmit, losing valuable time and money.
Mistake #3: Incorrect or Missing Signatures on Publication
The Requirement
Every CAC publication must be signed by either:
- The Secretary, or
- The Trustees collectively
Unclear or unsigned notices are automatically rejected by CAC.
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Why This Happens
Some organizations allow anyone (including third parties) to finalize and submit the newspaper notice. Without verifying who signs it, errors slip in.
What You Should Do
- Confirm that the secretary or a trustee is available to sign.
- Ensure that their official title appears below the signature.
- Avoid delegating this task to people unfamiliar with CAC protocols.
Example
In a recent case, a newspaper printed the notice with a third-party coordinator’s signature. CAC flagged the notice, and the client had to republish with a trustee’s official signature.
Best Practices for Managing CAC Newspaper Publication
To stay ahead, always follow these practices:
-
Align Trustee List with Newspaper
Ensure every name in your publication matches the CAC portal trustee list.
-
Select Recognized Dailies
Avoid unknown, weekend-only, or regional papers. Stick to nationally known dailies printed Monday to Friday.
-
Confirm and Document Signatures
Designate an authorized signer in advance and keep a copy of the signed notice.
-
Maintain Proper Records
Retain a physical and digital copy of each publication. CAC might request evidence.
-
Consult Experts When Unsure
Even if you wish to manage the process yourself, consult professionals if you’re uncertain about the rules.
At Zfrica, for instance, we support clients with the entire CAC newspaper publication process, from trustee verification to signature execution and daily publication scheduling.
The Cost of CAC Newspaper Publication Mistakes
Here’s what you stand to lose when these errors occur:
- Wasted Money: Re-publishing incurs double costs.
- Lost Time: Each CAC query adds a 1–2 week delay minimum.
- Frustration: Your registration timeline extends beyond expectations.
- Reputation Impact: Poor handling may affect internal credibility and stakeholder confidence.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures your incorporation runs efficiently, legally, and on schedule.
Conclusion
Understanding and avoiding CAC newspaper publication mistakes is critical for successfully registering NGOs, churches, mosques, and associations in Nigeria. Every name matters, every signature counts, and every newspaper must meet strict CAC requirements.
By ensuring alignment between your trustee list and your newspaper publication, selecting only valid national dailies, and properly managing authorized signatories, you can streamline your registration process and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
And if you ever feel uncertain, consider engaging trusted professionals—like Zfrica—to guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What qualifies as a national daily newspaper for CAC registration?
Any newspaper circulated nationally and published Monday to Friday, such as Punch, Guardian, or Vanguard.
Can I use a Saturday or Sunday newspaper for CAC publication?
No. CAC does not recognize weekend editions. Your publication must appear in weekday issues of national dailies.
Is the secretary automatically a trustee if listed in the newspaper?
Yes. If the secretary’s name appears in the notice, CAC will consider them a trustee unless otherwise rectified.
Who should sign the CAC newspaper publication notice?
Either the organization’s secretary or all trustees collectively.
Can I manage my newspaper publication without an agent?
Yes, but you must strictly follow CAC rules. Many choose to work with professionals to avoid costly mistakes.
What happens if CAC queries my publication?
You’ll need to correct the error and publish a new notice, which leads to delays and extra expenses.
Do I need to wait after publication before submitting to CAC?
Yes. You must wait 28 days (4 weeks) from the publication date before final submission.
