How To Register A Church With CAC In Nigeria

The requirement to register businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) extends beyond government or profit-oriented organizations. The commission encourages all religious organizations to gain legal protection and comply with federal laws.

Many religious leaders overlook the need to register their church with the Corporate Affairs Commission, often believing that only business owners require a CAC certificate. This guide explains how religious leaders can register a church with the CAC and achieve legal recognition.

Requirements for Registering a Church with CAC

CAC certification is not exclusively for business and government-owned institutions. NGOs and non-profit organizations like churches, mosques, and orphanage homes fall under the “Incorporated Trustees” category on the CAC website. Here are the steps involved in registering a church with the Corporate Affairs Commission:

1. Check Name Availability: Every organization registered on the CAC website must have a unique name. This can challenge church owners, as churches in Nigeria often recycle names. You face a 70% chance that your preferred church name will be unavailable on the CAC website, requiring you to add words or phrases to the chosen name. However, ensure the name makes your church stand out and accurately reflects the organization’s identity.

2. Select Trustees: During the registration process, you must appoint two or more trustees to serve as the church’s legal representatives. The church selects these trustees from its bona fide members. The government will require approved documents and other personal information from these trustees.

3. Prepare Relevant Documents: The following documents are essential for registering a church with CAC in Nigeria:

a) Memorandum of Objectives: This is a required document for churches categorized as incorporated trustees on the CAC website. The memorandum outlines the church’s mission, vision, organizational structure, and administrative framework.

b) Declaration: The selected trustees must make a legal declaration for official purposes. Trustees can sign this declaration before a Commissioner for Oaths or a legal judge. The declaration will affirm that the trustees are committed members of the organization and possess good character.

c) Minutes of Meeting: Before selecting two trustees to act as legal representatives, an official meeting must occur where the meeting chairman approves the proceedings. You will also need a duly signed copy of the minutes of the meeting where attendees selected the trustees to register a church with CAC.

d) Secretary Information: The CAC website will collect personal information about the church organization’s secretary. The secretary must, therefore, willingly provide verifiable information about themselves before CAC registration can proceed.

e) Newspaper Publication: A newspaper publication is another CAC requirement for churches.⁴ You must publish relevant information about the church in at least two national newspapers. This provides the general public with an overview of the church name, vision, and other relevant information. However, this step only comes into play after the CAC website has approved the church name. Note that the CAC will not issue a certificate to churches that fail to publish information about the organization in two national newspapers.

4. Process CAC Application: Process your CAC application for your church organization by visiting the official CAC website and completing the “incorporated trustees” form. Here, you will input the personal information of trustees and relevant church information. Afterward, pay the registration fees and await approval.

How to Register a Church on the CAC Website

1. Research: Researching the registration process is an important step when registering your church with the CAC. It helps you understand the required documents and information.

2. Determine the Names: According to the CAC website, organizations registered under “incorporated trustees” must register with three names. The church must register two alternative names alongside its primary name.

3. Gather Relevant Documents: The documents required to register a church with the CAC include:

• Church Name
• Trustee Details
• Newspaper publication
• Secretary information
• Minutes of meeting
• Court declaration
• Memorandum of Objects

4. Register the Church: Access the CAC website and register the church with verifiable information such as the church’s official address, website, email, and telephone number. To start registration, visit pre.cac.gov.ng and select the “incorporated trustee” option to proceed.

5. Payment: Online payments are a prerequisite for completing church registration with the CAC. A one-time payment of NGN30,000 will be required to process the application.

What Licenses and Permits Do You Need to Operate a Church in Nigeria?

The following licenses and permits are necessary for running a church organization. These documents allow churches to operate without interruption from government agencies:

• The church must comply with state laws and obtain a land use permit from the local or state government.
• The church must obtain a noise control permit to manage sound and noise levels.
• The church must also comply with building and zoning regulations.

Benefits of Church Registration with the CAC

• The church becomes a legal entity that can sue or be sued by any member of the public.
• Churches registered with the CAC can obtain relevant licenses, allowing them to provide legal marriage certifications.
• The church can gain authorization to sell land and properties.
• Registration is a one-time process, allowing the church to exist for generations.
• Registration with the CAC provides access to financial aid from financial institutions.
• The church can operate its own financial business account.

Top Regulatory Authorities for Starting a Church in Nigeria

The following regulatory authorities perform checks and balances on religious organizations and ensure they adhere to local, state, and federal laws:

1. The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC): A regulatory body established to oversee business registration in compliance with company laws.
2. Local Government Authority: A government instrument that enforces laws and imposes taxes on churches.
3. State Government: A branch of government that ensures churches comply with state laws regarding land use, zoning, and building regulations.
4. Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU): This government body analyzes churches financial records and checks for money laundering or other financial crimes.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Church with the CAC?

You should budget between NGN100,000 to N150,000 to complete the registration process.

Breakdown of The Cost For Registering A Church With CAC (Estimate):

However, please note that the above represents a rough estimate of what you should expect when registering with the CAC, and you may incur other costs. For example, the accredited agent registering your church may charge you more than this to complete the process.

Are Churches Subject to Tax in Nigeria?

One reason businesses and organizations avoid registering with the CAC is to evade tax. However, religious organizations are not subject to tax payments.

Key Points for Running Churches in Nigeria

• Churches must comply with federal, state, and local authority policies by obtaining relevant permits.
• A church must provide an outline constitution, detailing its mission and vision statement, on the CAC website.
• The church must present an hierarchical structure of its board members within the congregation.
• A church must actively engage in services or activities that positively impact its community.
• Churches registered with CAC receive legal recognition, and those who register early have a better chance of securing their preferred church name.

Conclusion

Churches in Nigeria serve as places of worship and can register as non-profit organizations on the CAC website. To register, a church must choose at least two relevant names, appoint two legal representatives, make court declarations, and arrange newspaper publications. Registering your church ensures it complies with the country’s regulatory standards.