How to Register a Church with CAC in Nigeria: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction to Church Registration in Nigeria

Registering a church in Nigeria is a significant legal step that provides your religious organization with corporate personality. Unlike business names or limited liability companies, churches are registered under Part F of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 as Incorporated Trustees.

This status allows the church to own property in its name, sue and be sued, and enjoy perpetual succession. In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process of CAC church registration.

Requirements for Registering a Church

Before you begin the application, ensure you have the following requirements ready:

1. Proposed Names: You should have at least two unique names for search and reservation.
2. Trustees: A minimum of two (2) trustees are required. These are the legal custodians of the church's property.
3. Qualifications of Trustees: Trustees must be of sound mind, not less than 18 years old (unless two others are of age), and must not have been convicted of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty within 5 years.
4. Meeting Minutes: A minute of the meeting where the trustees were appointed.
5. Newspaper Publication: A notice of application must be published in two daily newspapers (one national and one local circulation).

The Registration Process

1. Name Search and Reservation

The first step is to apply for a name search on the CAC portal. The name usually follows the format: "The Incorporated Trustees of [Church Name]".

2. Appointment of Trustees

A formal meeting must be held where the members of the church appoint the trustees. The minutes of this meeting must clearly state the names of the trustees and the voting process.

3. Newspaper Publication

This is a mandatory step for NGOs and churches. You must publish a notice in two newspapers calling for objections from the general public. You must wait 28 days after publication before completing the registration.

4. Constitution Drafting

Every religious organization must have a constitution that outlines its aims, objectives, and internal governance structure.

5. Final Submission

After the 28-day waiting period, and provided there are no valid objections, you submit the final documents to the CAC, including:

• Application form
• Copy of the constitution
• Newspaper cuttings
• Trustees' declaration and ID
• Payment of registration fees

Benefits of Church Registration

• Legal Recognition: The church becomes a legal entity separate from its founders.
• Property Ownership: The church can buy and hold land in its own name.
• Banking: You can open a corporate bank account for the church.
• Global Credibility: Registration is often a requirement for international grants and partnerships.

Conclusion

Registering a church requires precision, especially regarding newspaper publications and constitutional drafting. At Abakon Consult, we specialize in the registration of Incorporated Trustees. If you need expert guidance to ensure your church is registered without hitches, contact us today.