The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced a comprehensive review of its service fees, with the new pricing structure set to take effect on August 1, 2025. This strategic adjustment is intended to address rising operational costs while enhancing the delivery of digital-first, business-friendly services across Nigeria’s corporate regulatory ecosystem.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday and obtained by our correspondent, the CAC said the decision followed a detailed assessment of prevailing economic realities and was reached after consultations with critical stakeholders, including business associations, legal professionals, compliance officers, and relevant government agencies.
“The Commission wishes to inform the general public, esteemed customers, and all stakeholders that, in the continued efforts to improve its service quality and delivery, it has become necessary to review certain service fees effective August 1, 2025,” the statement read.
According to the CAC, the updated fees are “modest, competitive, and align with the Commission’s commitment to enhance service delivery through digitalised operations,” as well as to “maintain the integrity of the Nigerian Corporate Registry.”
The CAC’s decision comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s push toward digital governance and the automation of bureaucratic processes. Since the launch of its online registration portal, the CAC has continued to digitise its services, including business name registration, incorporation of companies, and post-incorporation filings such as changes to shareholding, addresses, or directors.
However, with rising energy costs, inflationary pressures, and infrastructure investments necessary to maintain 24/7 digital services, the Commission says a review of its pricing was unavoidable.
“This decision follows the careful consideration of prevailing economic realities, rising operational costs as well as engagement of critical stakeholders ahead of implementation,” the Commission added.
CAC also reassured the public of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, stating:
“We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and customer satisfaction as we strive to build a more resilient and responsive corporate regulatory environment.”
The reviewed fee structure applies to a wide range of services offered by the CAC, including:
Business name registration and renewals
Company incorporation and related filings
Limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships
Incorporated trustees
Post-incorporation services, including share capital alterations, change of directors, and mergers
Stakeholders such as startups, SMEs, legal practitioners, compliance consultants, NGOs, and corporate entities will all be impacted by the adjustments, especially those who regularly interact with the CAC for registration or regulatory compliance.
For full transparency, the detailed list of the reviewed service fees has been published on the official CAC website and can be accessed via www.cac.gov.ng.
While the CAC describes the increase as “modest,” reactions from some business owners have been cautious. Many acknowledge the need for the Commission to sustain its digital operations but also express concerns about rising costs amid Nigeria’s tough macroeconomic environment.
Economic analyst and policy commentator, Dr. Bola Ajayi, noted:
“This fee review was inevitable, given inflationary trends and the need to modernise the CAC’s infrastructure. However, it’s important that the Commission continues to simplify the registration process so that higher fees don’t become a barrier to formalisation for micro and small enterprises.”
As August 1, 2025, approaches, business owners and legal representatives are advised to:
Finalise any pending filings or registrations under the current fee structure
Familiarise themselves with the new fee schedule via CAC’s website
Budget for the adjusted fees, particularly for routine post-incorporation activities
Monitor future updates from the Commission on possible process changes tied to the review
This latest development underscores the evolving landscape of Nigeria’s corporate regulatory framework and the ongoing need for businesses to adapt to policy shifts that aim to balance sustainability with service delivery.