The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has issued a six-week deadline for all unregistered businesses operating in Nigeria to regularise their registration or face legal consequences, in a move to enforce compliance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.
According to a public notice released by the commission, operating a business under an unregistered name constitutes a criminal offence under Section 863 of CAMA. The CAC warned that failure to comply with the registration requirement may result in prosecution, including imprisonment and daily fines.
“Businesses operating without registration or under unapproved names are in clear violation of the law,” the CAC stated.
“Such entities must regularise their operations within six weeks from the date of this notice to avoid sanctions.”
The notice also cited Section 862(1) of CAMA, which prescribes penalties for individuals who knowingly submit false information in official business documents. Offenders could face imprisonment of up to two years, alongside financial penalties for each day the offence persists.
The Commission stressed that the exercise aims to formalise the informal sector, enhance transparency, and improve the ease of doing business in the country.
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“Bringing informal businesses into the regulatory fold will not only ensure compliance with the law but also help entrepreneurs gain access to government and financial support,” the CAC explained.
Business owners are encouraged to visit the CAC’s official website, www.cac.gov.ng, for guidance on the registration process.
In a statement, the CAC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring business transparency and protecting the interests of consumers and investors.
“This is not a punitive measure,” the Commission clarified.
“Rather, it is part of a broader effort to support business growth, protect intellectual property, and promote legal certainty.”
The CAC said that the six-week ultimatum is part of a nationwide campaign to encourage voluntary compliance. The Commission has warned, however, that it will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against defaulters at the expiration of the deadline.
The public has been urged to report any unregistered business operations or suspected infractions to the CAC for appropriate action.
