Businesses evolve, and so do the details of their owners. In Nigeria, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) oversees business name registrations, requiring formal updates when a proprietor’s particulars—such as name, address, or contact details—change. This ensures public records remain accurate and compliant with legal standards.
How to File Change of Particulars of Proprietor(s) of a Business Name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
This guide outlines the legal framework, step-by-step procedures, required documents, and potential challenges when updating the particulars of a business name proprietor in Nigeria.
What Does It Mean to Change Particulars of a Business Name Proprietor?
In Nigeria, a business name, typically registered as a sole proprietorship or partnership, is tied to its proprietor(s). The CAC maintains records of proprietors’ details, including their full name, residential address, contact information, and identification particulars. Updating these particulars is necessary when any of these details change to ensure transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Changes may include:
- Name Change: Due to marriage, legal correction, or personal choice.
- Address Update: Relocation to a new residence or office.
- Contact Details: New phone number or email address.
- Identification Details: Updates to ID numbers or types (e.g., new National ID).
Failure to update these details can lead to discrepancies in public records, potential legal disputes, or complications during audits.
Why Update the Particulars of a Proprietor?
There are several legitimate reasons a proprietor might need to update their information:
Name Change: Often due to marriage, religious reasons, or legal name correction.
Change of Address: When relocating to a new city or state.
Error Correction: Fixing spelling errors or typos during the original registration.
Regulatory Compliance: Some banks or government agencies may require up-to-date CAC records.
Keeping your business records accurate helps you avoid disputes, delays with KYC checks, and regulatory penalties.
Legal Framework for Updating Proprietor’s Particulars
Under Section 814, businesses must notify CAC within 14 days of any material changes to proprietor particulars.
Key Requirements:
- CAC Forms: Duly completed via the post-incorporation portal.
- Supporting Documents: Valid ID, proof of change (e.g., affidavit for name changes).
- Annual Returns: Must be up-to-date before filing.
- Fees: Government charges apply.
Requirements for Changing/Correcting Particulars of a Proprietor or Partner
To update the registered details of a proprietor or partner under Section 818 of CAMA 2020, the following documents and information must be submitted to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC):
1. General Requirements:
Duly Completed Application Form via the CAC Post-Incorporation Portal
Updated Annual Returns (must be up to date to process any change)
Formal Application Letter outlining the correction or change, signed by the business owner
2. Particulars That Can Be Changed:
Name (Title, Forename, Surname)
Date of Birth
Gender
Email Address
Phone Number
Occupation
Residential Address
Service Address
Signature
3. Supporting Documents:
Valid Photo ID (National ID, International Passport, Driver’s Licence, or Voter’s Card)
Affidavit of Facts (for name, date of birth, gender corrections, etc.)
Evidence of Change (e.g., Marriage Certificate, Change of Name Certificate, Deed Poll)
Certificate of Naturalization (if applicable, for nationality change under Section 27(1) of the Constitution)
Step-by-Step Process to Change Particulars of a Business Name Proprietor in Nigeria
Follow these clear steps to update a proprietor’s particulars with the CAC. A CAC-accredited agent is required to complete the process.
- Ensure Compliance: Confirm that your business’s Annual Returns are up to date on the CAC portal.
- Access Portal: Log in to the CAC Post-Incorporation Portal (www.cac.gov.ng) using your credentials, then search for your Business Name.
- Select Option: Navigate to the “Change of Particulars” or similar menu option for business names.
- Initiate Process: Click “Start the Process” to open the update form.
- Enter Details: Input the current and updated particulars (e.g., old name vs. new name, old address vs. new address).
- Save Progress: Click “Save and Continue” to store your entries.
- Review Entries: Verify all details in the preview section for accuracy.
- Make Payment: Pay the CAC filing fee through the portal’s payment gateway.
- Upload Documents: Submit clear, legible copies of required documents (e.g., ID, evidence of change).
- Submit Application: Click “Submit” to send your request to the CAC.
After Submission: Monitor your application status on the portal. Approval typically takes 2–10 business days, depending on CAC’s workload. Respond promptly if additional information is requested. Retain copies of all submitted documents for your records. Only CAC-accredited agents can process filings, so engage one if you lack accreditation.
Conclusion
Updating the particulars of a proprietor or partner of your business name with the CAC is a straightforward process when you know the steps. By identifying the change, obtaining the right form, submitting accurate documents, and following through, you’ll keep your business compliant and up to date.
Change the Particulars of Business Name Proprietor(s) in Nigeria with Ease
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