Introduction
To register Non-Governmental Organization NGO , Church, Mosque etc. in Nigeria is a structured process governed by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Unlike business name or limited liability company registrations, which can be completed within a week, registering an NGO as an Incorporated Trustee typically takes a longer while.
Understanding the steps involved can help set realistic expectations and ensure a smooth registration process.
Understanding Incorporated Trustees
In Nigeria, NGOs, religious institutions, and associations are registered under Part F of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) as Incorporated Trustees. This legal framework provides these organizations with a corporate identity, allowing them to own property, sue or be sued, and operate as legal entities separate from their members.
Step-by-Step Breakdown and Timeline to register NGO Church, Mosque in Nigeria
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Name Reservation (Approximately 1 Week)
The first step involves reserving the proposed name of the NGO through the CAC portal. This process ensures that the chosen name is unique and not already in use. Name reservation typically takes about a 3 working days, but it’s advisable to allocate up to a week to account for any unforeseen delays.
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Newspaper Publication (28 Days)
Upon successful name reservation, the next critical step is the publication of a notice of the organization’s intent to register. This notice must appear in two national newspapers and should include:
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- The name of the organization
- The objectives of the organization
- The names of the trustees
The purpose of this publication is to inform the public and invite any objections to the registration. The law mandates a 28-day waiting period from the date of publication to allow for any such objections. During this period, no further steps in the registration process can proceed.
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Document Preparation and Submission (1–2 Weeks)
After the 28-day waiting period, assuming no objections have been raised, the organization can proceed to prepare and submit the necessary documents to the CAC. These documents include:
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- Completed CAC Form IT01
- Application letter
- Two copies of the organization’s constitution
- Minutes of the meeting appointing the trustees
- Passport photographs and valid identification of the trustees
- Trustees’ declaration forms sworn before a High Court judge or notary public
- Evidence of newspaper publications
The preparation and submission of these documents can take between 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the organization’s readiness and the accuracy of the documentation.
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CAC Processing and Issuance of Certificate
Once all documents are submitted, the CAC reviews the application. If all requirements are met and there are no queries, CAC proceeds to issue the Certificate of Incorporation.
Total Estimated Duration: 5–6 Weeks
Combining all the steps:
- Name Reservation: 1 week
- Newspaper Publication: 4 weeks
- Document Preparation and Submission: 1–2 weeks
The entire process, therefore, spans approximately 5 to 6 weeks under normal circumstances.
Factors That May Affect the Timeline
Several factors can influence the duration of the NGO registration process:
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- Incomplete Documentation: Errors or omissions in the submitted documents can lead to delays.
- Objections Raised: If any objections are raised during the 28-day publication period, the process may be extended to address these concerns.
- CAC Workload: High volumes of applications can slow down processing times.
- Public Holidays: National holidays can affect the working days available for processing.
Conclusion
To register NGO , Church, Mosque in Nigeria as an Incorporated Trustee is a detailed process that requires careful planning and adherence to legal requirements. While the process typically takes 5 to 6 weeks, being well-prepared and understanding each step can help ensure a smoother registration experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can the NGO registration process be expedited?
A1: The 28-day newspaper publication period is a legal requirement and cannot be shortened. However, ensuring all documents are correctly prepared and submitted can help avoid additional delays.
Q2: What happens if someone raises an objection during the publication period?
A2: If an objection is raised, the CAC will investigate the claim. This may extend the registration timeline as the issue is resolved.
Q3: Is it mandatory to publish in two national newspapers?
A3: Yes, the law requires that the notice of intent to register be published in two national newspapers to ensure adequate public awareness.
Q4: Can I operate my NGO before receiving the Certificate of Incorporation?
A4: No, the organization must wait until the CAC issues the Certificate of Incorporation before commencing operations to ensure legal compliance.
Q5: Are there any post-registration requirements?
A5: Yes, NGOs are required to file annual returns and may need to register with other regulatory bodies depending on their activities.
