CHURCH REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS (CAC)
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. 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 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.” GOVERNING STRUCTURE Chairman of Trustees Secretary Other trustee members Defined leadership structure (Pastor, Board, etc.) 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 REGISTERED ADDRESS Church address (can be temporary but must be valid) 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 MEETING MINUTES Minutes of meeting where trustees were appointed Signed by Chairman & Secretary NEWSPAPER PUBLICATION (LEGAL REQUIREMENT) Public notice in 2 national newspapers Must run for public objections (typically 28 days) CAC DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED Application form (CAC Trustees Form) Trustee declaration forms Constitution Meeting minutes Newspaper publications Passport photos APPROVAL & CERTIFICATE After review and no objections: Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated Trustees) Official church legal status COST ESTIMATE (MARKET RANGE) fee: ₦270,000 TIMELINE Name reservation: 2 – 5 days Newspaper waiting period: 28 days Final approval: 2 – 6 weeks after submission Get stated today