The World Desk Floor 2 · The Gulf & Africa

Room 204

Nigeria

Welcome. How may I help you?

CAC and NIPC registration, the 2026 tax laws, and Form M for imports.

Capital
Abuja
Currency
Nigerian naira (NGN)
Guide
Overview · full guide in preparation
Last checked
Abuja Lagos Kano Port Harcourt

The concierge

What do you need in Nigeria?

01 · Set up

Ways to be present

Registry: Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Foreign-owned companies also register with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

Private company limited by shares

Most businesses, including foreign-owned ones.

  • A foreign company must generally incorporate a Nigerian entity to do business
  • Foreign ownership up to 100% in most sectors; some sectors set local-content rules
  • Minimum share capital for foreign participation: sources differ — confirm with CAC and NIPC

Limited liability partnership

Professional partnerships.

  • Available under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020

01 · Set up

First registrations

  1. 01

    CAC incorporation

    Online with the CAC; the tax identification number is now linked to incorporation.

  2. 02

    NIPC

    Registration for foreign participation after incorporation; reported to be renewed annually.

  3. 03

    Tax

    The Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 applies from 1 January 2026; the Nigeria Revenue Service replaces FIRS. VAT stays at 7.5%.

  4. 04

    Staff

    Business permit and expatriate quota for foreign employees.

02 · Trade

Moving goods

  1. 01

    Open Form M with an authorised dealer bank on the trade single window, attaching the proforma invoice, insurance certificate and product certificate where required

  2. 02

    For SON-regulated goods, the exporter obtains a SONCAP certificate; NAFDAC covers food, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices

  3. 03

    Obtain the pre-arrival assessment report (PAAR) on the single window

  4. 04

    Clear with the Nigeria Customs Service through a licensed agent

03 · Close

Done when

Watch

  • Foreign exchange for imports is accessed through the bank against the Form M: start it early

Sources

Checked against

  • EY: Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 ey.com
  • SON: SONCAP son.gov.ng
  • Nigerian Ports Authority: import and export guidelines nigerianports.gov.ng
  • Plus each authority’s own portal. Several points come from practitioner reports; where they disagreed, the text above says so.