Key Points
- The Update (and Not-so-Good News): The cost of registering a Business Name has increased from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 under the new schedule
- New CAC Fees: Why CAC Increased Fees According to CAC’s official statement, this review addresses rising operational costs and supports their fully digital, automated service infrastructure
- 35% or ₦25,000, whichever is higher However, Business Name registration no longer falls into this category, it has officially increased to ₦20,000 under the new schedule
- The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) gazetted a new schedule of service fees on 29 May 2025 (Official Gazette No
- These revised fees were initially billed to take effect from 1 August 2025, but on 30 August 2025, CAC issued a public notice deferring implementation
If you’re running a business in Nigeria or planning to register one soon, this update directly affects you. It’s the New CAC Fees 2025.
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) gazetted a new schedule of service fees on 29 May 2025 (Official Gazette No. 92, Vol. 112). These revised fees were initially billed to take effect from 1 August 2025, but on 30 August 2025, CAC issued a public notice deferring implementation. The new effective date is now 1 October 2025. This isn’t speculation, it’s official, gazetted, and published by CAC.
Some media outlets still reference the August 1 date, but CAC’s latest notice officially shifted implementation to October 1. Always verify with the most recent Gazette for accuracy.
This isn’t speculation, it’s official, gazetted, and published by CAC.
Are you curious about how much the fees cost for different business type? Use our CAC Registration Fees Calculator (2025 updated)
CAC Fees Calculator
Calculate registration or annual returns fees (Updated October 2025)
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The Good News / Not-so-Good News
The Good News: Core registration costs for companies limited by shares remain unchanged for now. It still costs ₦10,000 for every ₦1,000,000 share capital or part thereof, plus the standard ₦1,000 name reservation fee, which rounds up to N1,161.25 (remita charge in all cases).
The Update (and Not-so-Good News): The cost of registering a Business Name has increased from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 under the new schedule.
Also note: Stamp duty (0.75% of share capital), payable to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), is still required separately for all companies with share capital. It isn’t part of CAC’s registration fee.
New CAC Fees: Why CAC Increased Fees
According to CAC’s official statement, this review addresses rising operational costs and supports their fully digital, automated service infrastructure.
“This review became necessary to align with current economic realities and ensure efficient service delivery to the public.” according to CAC.
Key factors behind the increase include:
- Digital transformation costs – maintaining upgraded systems
- Inflation adjustments – aligning with Nigeria’s economic realities
- Service quality improvements – faster processing and automation
- Operational sustainability – funding long-term delivery
Bottom line: these aren’t random hikes; they reflect CAC’s cost structure. But for businesses, the timing means higher compliance costs from October 1, 2025.
Read also: Urgent CAC 6-Week Deadline (2025)
Complete Fee Comparison Table (2025 Gazette)
Here’s a simplified breakdown of key changes:
| Service | Previous Fee | New Fee (Oct 1, 2025) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary Strike-off (Private Ltd) | ₦25,000 | ₦50,000 | 100% ↑ |
| Voluntary Strike-off (Public) | ₦25,000 | ₦100,000 | 300% ↑ |
| Relisting (Private/GTE) | – | ₦50,000 | New Service |
| Relisting (Public) | – | ₦100,000 | New Service |
| Certified True Copy (CTC) | ₦5,000 | ₦5,000 | No Change* |
| Due Diligence Search | ₦10,000 | ₦50,000 | 400% ↑ |
| AGM Extension (Public) | ₦25,000 | ₦100,000 | 300% ↑ |
| AGM Extension (Others) | ₦25,000 | ₦50,000 | 100% ↑ |
| Address Restriction Request | – | ₦25,000 | New Service |
| Historical Document Search | ₦10,000 | ₦20,000–₦30,000 | 100–200% ↑ |
| Cessation of Business Name | ₦5,000 | ₦10,000 | 100% ↑ |
| Registration of Charges | ₦25,000 or 0.35% of amount (whichever higher) | Same (clarified) | Structural |
| Business Name Registration | ₦10,000 | ₦20,000 | 100% ↑ |
| Company Incorporation | ₦10,000 per ₦1m share capital | Same | Unchanged |
*Note: CTC fees were already ₦5,000 in prior CAC schedules, earlier blog posts listing ₦2,000 – ₦3,000 were outdated. Also, stamp duties payable to FIRS (0.75% of nominal share capital) are separate and remain unchanged.
Services That Remain Unchanged
Not every fee changed. These remain stable:
- Company Incorporation: ₦10,000 per ₦1,000,000 share capital (unchanged)
- Company Limited by Guarantee: ₦40,000 (unchanged)
- Certified True Copies (CTC): ₦5,000 per document
- Name Reservation: ₦1,000 (₦5,000 for restricted words)
- Registration of Charges: 0.35% or ₦25,000, whichever is higher
However, Business Name registration no longer falls into this category, it has officially increased to ₦20,000 under the new schedule.
Also note: Annual returns for some company categories have been revised upward. Don’t assume your filings are unaffected; always cross-check the current CAC schedule.es have been revised upward. Don’t assume your filings are unaffected, always cross-check the current CAC schedule.
Read Also: Signs You’ll Be Fined by FIRS and How to Fix them Fast
What This Means for You
For Existing Businesses
- Compliance costs rising: Expect higher charges for strike-offs, relistings, AGM extensions, or historical searches.
- Due diligence more expensive: A ₦10,000 search will soon cost ₦50,000 (a 400% jump).
- Closing a company isn’t cheap: Strike-offs now double or triple.
For New Businesses
Incorporation fees remain stable for now, so this is still a good window to register. Plan for higher post-incorporation costs, budget for filings beyond registration.
For Professional Service Providers
Adjust your pricing. Fees for CAC services will rise, so your client charges must reflect that. Handle client filings before October 1 for cost savings and to avoid backlogs.
Money-Saving Tips (Before October 1, 2025)
- Register your company now while core fees are stable.
- Request Certified Documents to avoid backlogs and delays.
- Process strike-offs/relisting early to save ₦25,000 – ₦75,000 per company.
- Conduct due diligence searches now – ₦10,000 vs ₦50,000 after October 1.
Final Thoughts
This fee increase is more than a technical update, it directly impacts the cost of compliance, restructuring, or shutting down dormant companies. The wise move? Don’t wait until October 1.
✅ Check CAC’s official notices regularly. The Commission can still adjust timelines or clarify grey areas.
✅ Plan ahead for compliance. If your company has outstanding filings, fix them now while costs are lower.
✅ Use professionals. Avoid errors, rejections, and penalties that multiply costs.
👉 Need help registering your business, handling compliance, or managing filings before October 1? Contact Qrafteq Brand Systems today. We’ll save you time, money, and stress.
Editor’s Update (October 2025)
Following the release of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 92 (Vol. 112, 29 May 2025), this article has been updated for factual accuracy. The following corrections were made:
- Business Name Registration Fee: Corrected from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000, reflecting the official CAC 2025 fee schedule (page B628).
- Company Incorporation Fees: Clarified that while incorporation fees remain unchanged (₦10,000 per ₦1 million share capital), stamp duty of 0.75% payable to the FIRS remains a separate statutory charge.
- Services That Remain Unchanged: Adjusted to remove Business Names from the list of unaffected fees.
- Fee Comparison Table: Updated to include Business Name and Company Incorporation entries for transparency.
Sources: CAC Public Notice (30 Aug 2025). This post will be updated as new information becomes available. This article is updated regularly as CAC releases new information. Bookmark this page for the latest updates on CAC fees and Nigerian business registration requirements. These updates align this article with the most recent CAC Gazette and ensure that readers receive accurate, verifiable information for business registration and compliance in Nigeria.
16 Responses
I am planning to register my business name and have understood that the registration fee has been adjusted from 10k to 20k.
My concern is that I have visited the Zonal office of the CAC in Uyo for the registration but was informed that the registration fee is 35k and that made me become discouraged.
Please kindly share more light on the matter
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding this here. Registering your business name by yourself, you’d likely spend about N21,161.25 (inclusive of name reservation – N1,000 and Remita – N161.25). The N35,000 charged you at the Zonal office is inclusive of their professional fee. Qrafteq will offer you a discount. Pay N28,000 and we’d fix it for you without compliance issues. Give us a call: 08036509056
Good morning, sir.
i would like to register my business name but just discovered that my four major business areas would not be covered through my search.
would it be possible for you to add all my business areas on the certificate. Here in the business section, i can only see 2 of it plus general merchandise.
or does general merchandise covers all other business areas? like transport and logistics, Travel agency and tour operations.
if not, how would i add new business area to my business name?
thank you.
General Merchandise does not cover everything.
It mainly covers buying and selling of goods.
It does not automatically include transport & logistics, travel agency, tour operations, etc.
Those ones are separate business activities and should be listed clearly in your business objects.
If the CAC search form only allowed 2 items, don’t worry — you can still add the remaining business areas during documentation or later through an update.
Just send me the exact 4 business activities you want to include,
and I’ll guide you on how to structure them correctly so they appear on your certificate.
Chat me on WhatsApp and we’ll sort it quickly.
What about Plc registration cost pls
Reach me on WhatsApp +2348035409056
Good morning sir. if i register a business under Other Service Activities, does it include and cover all the business areas i intend to do?
thank you.
Good day 👋
Registering under “Other Service Activities” doesn’t automatically cover everything.
You still need to specify the actual services you offer inside that category.
So it’s better to mention the main services you’ll be doing.
If you add new services later, you can update it, no problem.
If you want, you can chat me on WhatsApp and tell me the exact things you plan to do.
+2348036509056