30/04/2025
PUBLIC NOTICE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS
CARRYING ON BUSINESS IN NIGERIA UNDER AN UNREGISTERED NAME OR ACRONYM NOW ATTRACT JAIL TERM
The Commission wishes to inform the General Public that it is a criminal offence under Section 863 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 to carry on business in Nigeria as a Company, Limited Liability Partnership, Limited Partnership, or under a Business Name without registration under the Act or by a name (or acronym) other than the name (or acronym) by which the business was registered under the Act.
The General Public should note that Section 729 of the Act requires every Company registered under the Act to:
1. State its registered name and registration number outside every place where it carries on business.
2. Include its registered name and registration number on all official publications, including letterheads, signage(s), marketing, and publicity materials.
Additionally, Section 862(1) of the Act provides that any person who, in any document required by or for the purpose of the Act, makes a false statement knowing it to be false commits an offence and is liable on conviction to:
- Imprisonment for a term of two years.
- A daily fine against the Company for every day the offence continues.
In view of the foregoing, all Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, and Business Name proprietors are hereby required to ensure full compliance with the above requirements of the Act within six (6) weeks of this notice. Failure to comply will result in the Commission taking necessary enforcement actions, including prosecution.
For more information and resources, kindly visit our website: www.cac.gov.ng