When your bank requests a CAC Status Report before opening your business account, or when a potential investor asks for proof of your company's compliance status, do you know exactly what they need and why it matters?
A CAC Status Report is more than just paperwork; it's the official digital "health certificate" of a registered entity in Nigeria. Whether you are opening a corporate bank account, applying for a federal tender, or seeking international grants, this document is the mandatory standard for proving your business is legitimate and compliant.
Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) transitioned to the E-Status Report format. This digital document has officially replaced older registration forms like Form CAC 1.1 (Companies), BN 1 (Business Names), and IT Form 1 (Incorporated Trustees).
Understanding the CAC Status Report: More Than Just a Document
In this guide, you’ll learn what a CAC Status Report is, why it matters, what information it contains, who needs it, how to obtain it online, and why businesses trust SplashDict for fast, compliant processing.
What Is a CAC Status Report?
A Status Report is a CAC-certified digital document (E-Status Report) issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) that provides a comprehensive snapshot of your registered entity's legal status, structure, and compliance record. Think of it as your business's official report card from Nigeria's corporate regulator.
This document verifies that your entity is legally registered, currently active, and compliant with all necessary filings under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020. It serves as the definitive proof of your organization's good standing with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Understanding the Key Components of a CAC Status Report
Every CAC Status Report contains essential information that stakeholders use to verify your business legitimacy. Here's what you'll find in your status report:
Registration and Identification Details
- Entity name as officially registered with the CAC
- Registration number (RC for companies, BN for business names, IT for incorporated trustees, CAC for partnerships)
- Date of incorporation or registration
- Entity type (Limited Company, Business Name, Incorporated Trustees, LP, LLP)
Current Status Information
- Active or Inactive status – This is critical for all transactions
- Registered office address with complete location details
- Nature of business or principal activities
- Classification (for incorporated trustees: religious, charitable, educational, etc.)
Ownership and Management Structure
- Directors (for companies) with names, designations, and addresses
- Proprietors or partners (for business names and partnerships)
- Trustees (for incorporated trustees/NGOs)
- Company Secretary details (where applicable)
- Shareholders and share capital structure (for limited companies)
- Persons with Significant Control (PSC) – individuals who ultimately own or control the entity
Compliance and Filing Status
- Annual returns status – whether filings are up to date or overdue
- Compliance record with CAMA 2020 requirements
- Recent changes filed with the CAC (changes in directors, address, business nature, etc.)
- Filing history showing regulatory compliance over time
Why These Details Matter
Banks verify ownership details match your BVN before opening accounts. Investors check compliance status before committing funds. Government agencies confirm active status before awarding contracts. Every detail in your CAC Status Report plays a role in establishing your business credibility.
Why Nigerian Businesses Need a CAC Status Report
Understanding when and why you need a CAC Status Report can save you time and prevent missed opportunities. Here are the critical use cases:
Banking and Financial Transactions
Banks are legally required to verify business registration before opening corporate accounts. Your CAC Status Report serves as:
- Proof of legal existence when opening new business bank accounts
- Verification document for loan applications and credit facilities
- Compliance evidence for international money transfers and forex transactions
- KYC documentation to satisfy banking regulations
Real scenario: If you're opening a Kuda Business, Moniepoint, or GTBank corporate account, the bank will request your CAC Status Report to verify proprietor details match your BVN records. Any mismatch can delay or block account opening.
Government Tenders and Contracts
Most government MDAs (Ministries, Departments, and Agencies) require:
- Active CAC Status Reports as part of tender bid submissions
- Proof of compliance showing up-to-date annual returns
- Verification of business capacity through registered office and structure details
- Due diligence documentation for contract awards
Submitting an outdated or inactive status report can disqualify your bid, even if you submitted the most competitive proposal.
Grants, Loans, and Financing
Financial institutions and grant providers use CAC Status Reports to:
- Verify business legitimacy before disbursing funds
- Assess organizational structure and governance
- Confirm compliance history as a risk indicator
- Validate ownership and decision-making authority
For NGOs and incorporated trustees, grant applications to international donors almost always require current CAC Status Reports.
Partnerships and Investment
Potential business partners and investors request CAC Status Reports during:
- Due diligence processes before entering partnerships
- Investment negotiations to verify company structure and ownership
- Merger and acquisition discussions to confirm legal standing
- Joint venture agreements to assess compliance credibility
Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Compliance
Your CAC Status Report may be required for:
- Court proceedings where corporate status is relevant
- Regulatory submissions to FIRS, PENCOM, NAICOM, and other agencies
- Intellectual property registration for trademarks and patents
- International business transactions requiring proof of Nigerian registration
Replacing Lost or Damaged Documents
If you've lost your original incorporation documents or they've become damaged, an updated CAC Status Report can serve as:
- Replacement documentation showing current business details
- Proof of continued existence despite missing original certificates
- Updated information reflecting all changes since incorporation
Many organizations accept the status report alongside or in place of original certificates, especially when updated information is needed.
Types of CAC Status Reports: Which One Do You Need?
The Corporate Affairs Commission issues different status reports based on entity type. Below is a breakdown for each business structure:
Status Report for Business Name (Sole Proprietorship or Partnership)
Who needs this: Sole proprietors and unincorporated partnerships operating under a business name.
What it confirms:
- Your business name is actively registered
- Proprietor or partner details are up to date
- Annual returns compliance status
- Principal business activities
Cost: ₦15,000 Processing time: 1–2 working hours with professional services.
Requirements:
- Business name
- BN registration number
- Authorization from proprietor or partner
Common uses: Opening business bank accounts, applying for merchant services, MSME loan applications, and registering with e-commerce platforms.
Status Report for Companies (RC)
Who needs this: Limited companies (Ltd), public limited companies (PLC), and companies limited by guarantee (Ltd/Gte).
What it confirms:
- Company registration and incorporation details
- Current directors and company secretary
- Shareholder structure and share capital
- Persons with Significant Control (PSC)
- Annual returns compliance
- All registered changes
Cost: ₦15,000 Processing time: 1–2 working hours with professional services.
Requirements:
- Company name
- RC number
- Authorization from a director, company secretary, or authorized signatory
Common uses: Corporate banking, government tenders, investment negotiations, contract bidding, regulatory compliance, and mergers & acquisitions.
Status Report for Incorporated Trustees (IT)
Who needs this: NGOs, churches, mosques, foundations, community associations, and charitable organizations.
What it confirms:
- Organization registration and classification
- Current board of trustees
- Aims and objectives
- Annual returns compliance status
- Recent trustee changes
Cost: ₦15,000 Processing time: 1–2 working hours with professional services.
Requirements:
- Organization name
- IT registration number
- Authorization from an authorized trustee or signatory
Common uses: Grant applications, donor due diligence, NGO bank account opening, international partnerships, and regulatory submissions.
Status Report for Limited Partnership (LP)
Who needs this: Limited partnerships with general and limited partners.
What it confirms:
- Partnership registration details
- General and limited partner information
- Principal business activities
- Compliance status
Cost: ₦15,000 Processing time: 1–2 working hours with professional services.
Requirements:
- LP name
- CAC registration number
- Authorization from a general partner or signatory
Common uses: Venture capital structures, investment partnerships, private equity, and real estate ventures.
Status Report for Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Who needs this: Professional partnerships and multi-partner businesses.
What it confirms:
- LLP registration and structure
- Designated partners
- Partnership activities
- Compliance and filing status
Cost: ₦15,000 Processing time: 1–2 working hours with professional services.
Requirements:
- LLP name
- CAC registration number
- Authorization from a designated partner or signatory
Common uses: Law firms, accounting practices, consulting firms, joint ventures, and structured partnerships.
Request Your Status Report Now
Fill the form below and our team will process your CAC Status Report. Average delivery time: 1–24 Hours.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. CAC requirements and fees may change, so always verify on the official CAC website. SplashDict Limited is a licensed Chartered Secretarial and Administrative service provider and an accredited CAC agent, providing expert compliance support, but is not a law firm.
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