CAC to Remove Inactive Companies from Its Register
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced that it has begun a new process of removing companies that are no longer active or have failed to follow the rules set by law.
In a public notice signed by its management and dated July 29, 2025, the Commission said this action is based on the powers given to it under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.
The notice, which was issued from the CAC headquarters at Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama District, Abuja, explained that many companies have not met their legal responsibilities and will therefore be struck off the official Register.
“The Corporate Affairs Commission has commenced another round of striking off companies that have not complied with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 from the Register,” the notice reads
List of Affected Companies Now Available
The CAC has published the names of affected companies on its official website www.cac.gov.ng. Business owners and the general public are encouraged to visit the website to check if their company is on the list.
Companies that find their names on the list are being given a 90-day window to fix the problem by doing the following:
-
Filing their Annual Returns — a yearly update showing the company is still operating.
-
Providing up-to-date information on who owns or controls the company (also called Beneficial Ownership or Persons with Significant Control).
If a company does not meet these requirements within 90 days, the Commission will permanently remove the company from its records.
What Happens After a Company is Removed?
The CAC has made it clear that once a company is struck off the Register, it is no longer allowed to do business in Nigeria under that name. Legally, such a company loses all rights and recognition as a registered entity.
This enforcement is supported by Section 692 (3) and (4) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, which gives the CAC the authority to delist companies that fail to comply with the law.
“It shall be unlawful for any company struck off the Register to carry on business, having lost right over the entity,” the Commission warned.
This move by the CAC is aimed at cleaning up the Register of Companies to ensure that only active and legally compliant businesses are recognized in Nigeria. It also helps reduce fraud and improve transparency in the business environment.
Companies that are unsure of their status or have not filed their returns in recent years are advised to take immediate steps by consulting a legal or corporate service expert or visiting the CAC portal for more guidance.
For full details and to view the list of affected companies, visit the CAC website at www.cac.gov.ng.