Key Points
- How to Avoid Getting Struck Off Again Once you go through this process, you won’t want to repeat it
- You must get a court order first, then submit it to CAC along with payment of all outstanding annual returns and administrative relisting fees
- You need a lawyer who specializes in corporate law to file your application with the Federal High Court
- When the court restores your company, it’s as if the company was never struck off
- Can you share a post on how to restore a struck off company
If you just found out your company has been struck off by CAC, you probably have one question on your mind: Can I fix this? Can you share a post on how to restore a struck off company?
The short answer is yes. But it’s going to cost you more time, money, and stress than if you’d just filed your annual returns on time.
This guide walks you through the actual process; what it takes, how long it takes, and what happens after.
What Does “Struck Off” Actually Mean?
When the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) strikes off your company, they’re removing it from the official register of companies in Nigeria.
Your company certificate doesn’t disappear. Your business account might still be open. You might even still be receiving payments.
But legally, the company no longer exists.
That means:
- You can’t sign contracts in the company’s name
- You can’t open new bank accounts or access some financial services
- The company can’t sue or be sued
- Any property or assets in the company’s name are frozen in legal limbo
- Directors and officers can still be held personally liable for company debts
CAC typically strikes off companies that haven’t filed annual returns for 10 consecutive years, or companies that voluntarily applied to be removed and stopped operations.
Can You Restore a Struck Off Company?
Yes, but only through the Federal High Court.
CAC will not restore your company on their own. You must get a court order first, then submit it to CAC along with payment of all outstanding annual returns and administrative relisting fees.
There are time limits, though:
- If your company was struck off voluntarily (through a special resolution), you have 2 years from the date of strike-off to apply for restoration
- If CAC struck off your company for non-compliance, you have 10 years from the date the strike-off was published in national newspapers
After those deadlines, restoration becomes nearly impossible.
Step-by-Step: How to Restore a Struck Off Company
Step 1: Confirm Your Company Status
Before you do anything, verify that your company was actually struck off. Go to the CAC public search portal and search for your company name.
If the status shows “STRUCK OFF” or “INACTIVE,” you’ll need to proceed with restoration.
Step 2: Hire a Lawyer
This is not optional. You need a lawyer who specializes in corporate law to file your application with the Federal High Court.
Your lawyer will prepare:
- An application to the Federal High Court
- A detailed affidavit explaining why the company should be restored
- Proof that the company was still operating when it was struck off (or that it’s fair and just to restore it)
- Evidence that you’ve addressed whatever caused the strike-off in the first place
Step 3: File the Court Application
The court will grant restoration if it’s satisfied that the company was actively carrying on business at the time of striking off, or if it’s otherwise fair and just to restore the company to the register.
This is where things get slow. Court proceedings in Nigeria can take weeks to months, depending on the complexity of your case and the court’s schedule.
Step 4: Get the Court Order
Once the court approves your application, you’ll receive a court order directing CAC to restore your company.
Step 5: Submit the Court Order to CAC
Take the official copy of the court order to CAC. You’ll also need to pay administrative relisting fees and settle all outstanding annual returns before CAC will activate your company’s status.
You can access CAC services through their official registration portal or visit any of their offices nationwide.
Current CAC Relisting Fees (2025):
- Business Name: ₦8,000 per year
- Limited Liability Company: ₦10,000 per year
- Incorporated Trusteeship: ₦15,000 per year
- Companies Limited by Guarantee: ₦50,000
- Small Companies: ₦25,000
These fees are in addition to whatever you owe in unpaid annual returns.
Step 6: Wait for Activation
After you’ve paid everything and submitted the court order, CAC will update your company status from “STRUCK OFF” to “ACTIVE” on their portal.
In some cases, this happens automatically. In others, you may need to follow up with CAC’s Special Processing Unit (SPU).
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
Realistically, 3 to 6 months minimum. Sometimes longer.
The court process is the bottleneck. Once you have the court order, CAC’s part is usually quick—assuming you’ve paid everything you owe.
What Happens After Your Company Is Restored?
When the court restores your company, it’s as if the company was never struck off. The company and all persons are placed in the same position they would have been in if the striking off never happened.
But here’s the catch: Your obligations as a director remain intact even while the company was struck off. If there are debts, liabilities, or legal issues, they don’t disappear just because the company was temporarily removed from the register.
How to Avoid Getting Struck Off Again
Once you go through this process, you won’t want to repeat it. Here’s how to stay compliant:
File your annual returns every single year. Even if the company isn’t making money. Even if it’s dormant. Every year. Learn more about CAC annual returns requirements.
If your company genuinely isn’t doing business and you want to pause without getting struck off, file a Notice of Dormancy with CAC. This tells them you’re temporarily inactive—not abandoned.
Check your company status regularly on the CAC portal. If it ever shows “INACTIVE,” act immediately.
IMPORTANT! Should You Even Bother Restoring?
Sometimes the honest answer is no.
If your company hasn’t operated in years, has no assets, no debts, no ongoing contracts, and no real reason to exist, it might be easier and cheaper to just register a fresh company.
But if your company has:
- Existing contracts or ongoing business relationships
- Assets or intellectual property registered in its name
- A track record or reputation tied to the company name
- Debts or obligations you need to properly close out
Then yes, restoration is worth the hassle.
Need Help Restoring Your Company?
At Qrafteq, we’ve walked business owners through this process dozens of times. We work with corporate lawyers who specialize in CAC restorations and can help you navigate the court process, handle all the paperwork, and get your company back to active status.
If you’re not sure whether restoration makes sense for your situation, we can help you figure that out too.
Get in touch and let’s talk about where your company stands and what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much does it cost to restore a struck off company in Nigeria?
A: The total cost includes court filing fees (varies by court), lawyer’s fees (typically ₦150,000 – ₦500,000+), CAC relisting fees (₦8,000 – ₦50,000 per year depending on entity type), and all unpaid annual returns. Expect to spend at least ₦300,000 – ₦800,000 for the entire process.
Q: Can I restore my company without going to court?
A: No. According to CAMA 2020, only the Federal High Court has the power to order CAC to restore a struck off company. CAC cannot do this on their own authority.
Q: How do I check if my company has been struck off?
A: Visit the CAC public search portal at https://search.cac.gov.ng and search for your company name. The status will show “STRUCK OFF” or “INACTIVE” if the company has been removed from the register.
Q: What is the deadline for restoring a struck off company?
A: For voluntary strike-offs, you have 2 years from the date of strike-off. For administrative strike-offs (due to non-compliance), you have 10 years from the date the notice was published in national newspapers.
Q: Will my company’s assets be affected if it’s struck off?
A: Yes. While the assets don’t automatically disappear, they become legally frozen. You cannot sell, transfer, or deal with company property until the company is restored to the register.
Q: Do I still need to pay taxes if my company is struck off?
A: Your tax obligations don’t disappear when your company is struck off. Any unpaid taxes, penalties, or interest continue to accrue, and you may face personal liability as a director.
Q: Can I use the same company name to register a new business if my old company was struck off?
A: Not immediately. Even after strike-off, the name remains on CAC’s records. You would need to wait for the name to be fully removed from the system (which can take years) or apply for restoration of the original company.
Q: What documents do I need to restore my company?
A: You’ll need: the original Certificate of Incorporation, evidence of company operations or justification for restoration, completed annual return forms for all outstanding years, proof of payment for all fees, and the court order directing CAC to restore the company.
