Incorporated trustees, explained
Non-profit organisations in Nigeria, including NGOs, churches, mosques, associations and clubs, register with the CAC as incorporated trustees. Once registered, the trustees become a legal body that can hold property, open bank accounts and enter agreements on behalf of the organisation.
What you need to prepare
- Proposed names for the organisation
- Clear aims and objectives
- A constitution setting out how the organisation is run
- The trustees' details, identification, passport photographs and signatures
- Minutes or a resolution of the meeting that appointed the trustees
- The organisation's address
The process
- Reserve an available name
- Prepare the constitution and trustee documents
- File the application with the CAC
- Publish the required public notice so the public can raise objections
- Respond to any queries
- Receive the certificate of incorporation
After registration
Most NGOs and incorporated trustees also need SCUML registration, which banks commonly request before operating the organisation's account. The organisation should also keep its records current and file annual returns.
DAES helps faith-based and non-profit organisations prepare their documents, file the application and handle the public notice.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements can change, so DAES confirms what applies to your case before you start.
Let DAES handle it
Send us a message and we will guide you through the requirements and next steps.