Introduction

CHURCH REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS (CAC – INCORPORATED TRUSTEES)

Registering a church in Nigeria is done through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as an Incorporated Trustee, the legally recognized structure for religious and nonprofit organizations. This process requires appointing at least two trustees, preparing a formal constitution that defines the church’s objectives and governance, and submitting key documents such as meeting minutes, valid identification, and passport photographs. Additionally, a public notice must be published in national newspapers to allow for objections before final approval. Once completed, the church gains legal recognition, enabling it to operate officially, own property, and carry out its activities with full compliance and credibility.

1. NAME REQUIREMENTS

•  Proposed church name (e.g., Divine Grace Ministry)
•  Alternative name
•  Must reflect religious nature (e.g., Church, Ministry, Mission, Fellowship)
• Must be unique and not already registered

 

2. TRUSTEES (MANDATORY)

(Minimum of 2 trustees required)

For each trustee:

•  Full name
•  Residential address
•  Occupation
•  Date of birth
•  Valid means of ID (NIN, Voter’s Card, Passport, Driver’s License)
• Passport photograph
• Signature

👉 Trustees are the legal custodians of the church, not “owners.”

 

3. GOVERNING STRUCTURE

•  Chairman of Trustees
•  Secretary
•  Other trustee members
• Defined leadership structure (Pastor, Board, etc.)

 

4. AIMS & OBJECTIVES (VERY IMPORTANT)

You must clearly state what the church exists to do, for example:

•  To propagate the Christian faith
• To organize worship services and religious programs
•  To carry out evangelism and missionary activities
•  To engage in charitable and community development activities

 

5. REGISTERED ADDRESS

• Church address (can be temporary but must be valid)

 

6. CONSTITUTION (COMPULSORY)

Your church must have a formal constitution covering:

•  Name of the church
•  Objectives
•  Membership rules
•  Appointment/removal of trustees
•  Meeting procedures
•  Dissolution clause

 

7. MEETING MINUTES

•  Minutes of meeting where trustees were appointed
• Signed by Chairman & Secretary

 

8. NEWSPAPER PUBLICATION (LEGAL REQUIREMENT)

•  Public notice in 2 national newspapers
•  Must run for public objections (typically 28 days)

 

9. CAC DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED

• Application form (CAC Trustees Form)
•  Trustee declaration forms
•  Constitution
• Meeting minutes
•  Newspaper publications
•  Passport photos

 

10. APPROVAL & CERTIFICATE

After review and no objections:

•  Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated Trustees)
•  Official church legal status

 

11. COST ESTIMATE (MARKET RANGE)

• fee: ₦270,000

 

12. TIMELINE

• Name reservation: 2 – 5 days
• Newspaper waiting period: 28 days
• Final approval: 2 – 6 weeks after submission

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