🇳🇬 Nigerian Business Starter Pack

Essential Templates for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

CAC Business Registration Checklist

Complete guide for registering your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission

CAC Registration Checklist

Business Name: Your Business Name
Registration Type: Business Name / Limited Company
Date Started: Date

Pre-Registration Requirements

  • Check business name availability on CAC portal
  • Prepare two name options (primary and alternative)
  • Decide on business structure (Business Name/Ltd/PLC)
  • Identify business objectives and nature
  • Prepare list of proprietors/directors

Required Documents – Business Name

  • Completed CAC-BN1 Form
  • Valid means of identification (Intl Passport/Driver’s License/NIN)
  • Passport photograph
  • Signature specimen
  • Valid email address
  • Phone number for verification

Required Documents – Limited Company

  • Memorandum and Articles of Association
  • Notice of Registered Address (CAC 2)
  • Return of Allotment of Shares (CAC 2A)
  • List of First Directors (CAC 7)
  • Declaration of Compliance (CAC 4)
  • Directors’ identification documents
  • Share capital structure

Registration Process

  1. Visit www.cac.gov.ng
  2. Create account on Company Registration Portal (CRP)
  3. Check name availability (₦500 per search)
  4. Reserve approved name (60 days validity)
  5. Complete registration forms online
  6. Upload required documents
  7. Make payment:
    • Business Name: ₦10,000
    • Limited Company: ₦40,000+
  8. Submit application
  9. Receive certificate (24-48 hours)

Post-Registration Steps

  • Download CAC certificate
  • Open corporate bank account
  • Register for TIN with FIRS
  • Register with SMEDAN (if applicable)
  • Register with relevant regulatory bodies
  • Get business permits/licenses
Important Notes:
  • Name reservation expires after 60 days
  • Annual returns must be filed yearly
  • Update CAC with any changes in business details

Nigerian PAYE Tax Calculator

Calculate employee tax deductions according to Nigerian tax laws

PAYE Tax Calculator – Nigeria

Employee Name: Employee Name
Tax Year: 2025
State: Lagos State

Monthly Salary Breakdown

Basic Salary:0.00
Housing Allowance:0.00
Transport Allowance:0.00
Other Allowances:0.00
Gross Salary:0.00

Tax Relief Calculations

Gross Annual Salary:0.00
Consolidated Relief (CRA):
(₦200,000 + 20% of Gross Income)
0.00
Pension Contribution (8%):0.00
NHF Contribution (2.5%):0.00
NHIS Contribution:0.00
Taxable Income:0.00

PAYE Tax Bands (2025)

Income BandTax RateTax Amount
First ₦300,0007%0.00
Next ₦300,00011%0.00
Next ₦500,00015%0.00
Next ₦500,00019%0.00
Next ₦1,600,00021%0.00
Above ₦3,200,00024%0.00
Total Annual PAYE:0.00
Monthly PAYE Deduction:0.00

Net Pay Summary

Monthly Gross Salary:0.00
PAYE Tax:-₦0.00
Pension (8%):-₦0.00
NHF (2.5%):-₦0.00
Net Pay:0.00

Professional Naira Invoice

Nigerian-compliant invoice with VAT calculations.

INVOICE

FROM:
Your Business Name
RC Number: 1234567
123 Business Street
Victoria Island, Lagos
[email protected]
08012345678
Invoice No: INV-2025-001
Invoice Date: 10/01/2025
Due Date: 24/01/2025
TIN: 12345678-0001
BILL TO:
Client Company Name
Client Address
City, State
Contact Person
[email protected]
DescriptionQtyUnit Price (₦)Amount (₦)
Service/Product Description10.000.00
Additional Item10.000.00
Subtotal:0.00
VAT (7.5%):0.00
WHT (5%):0.00
TOTAL DUE:0.00

Payment Information

Bank Name: First Bank of Nigeria

Account Name: Your Business Name

Account Number: 3012345678

Payment Terms: Net 14 days

Thank you for your business!
This invoice was generated electronically and is valid without signature.

Employment Contract Template

Nigerian labour law compliant employment agreement.

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

This Employment Agreement is made this day day of month, year

BETWEEN:

Company Name (RC: 1234567)

A company incorporated under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

With registered address at: Company Address

(Hereinafter referred to as “THE EMPLOYER”)

AND:

Employee Full Name

Of Employee Address

(Hereinafter referred to as “THE EMPLOYEE”)

1. APPOINTMENT

The Employer hereby appoints the Employee as Job Title and the Employee accepts the appointment on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.

2. COMMENCEMENT DATE

This employment shall commence on Start Date and shall continue subject to the termination provisions of this Agreement.

3. PROBATION PERIOD

The Employee shall undergo a probationary period of 6 months, during which either party may terminate this Agreement with 1 week notice.

4. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Employee shall:

  • Primary responsibility 1
  • Primary responsibility 2
  • Primary responsibility 3
  • Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Employer from time to time

5. REMUNERATION

The Employee shall be paid a monthly gross salary of ₦0.00 subject to applicable taxes and deductions as required by law.

Salary shall be paid on or before the 25th day of each month.

6. BENEFITS

  • Housing Allowance: ₦0.00
  • Transport Allowance: ₦0.00
  • 13th Month Bonus: Yes/No
  • Health Insurance: Yes/No
  • Pension: As per Pension Reform Act 2014

7. WORKING HOURS

Normal working hours shall be from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with 1 hour lunch break.

8. LEAVE ENTITLEMENT

  • Annual Leave: 21 working days per annum
  • Sick Leave: As per company policy and medical certification
  • Maternity Leave: As per Labour Act provisions
  • Other leaves as per company policy

9. TERMINATION

After probation, either party may terminate this Agreement by giving 1 month notice in writing or payment in lieu of notice.

10. CONFIDENTIALITY

The Employee shall not disclose any confidential information of the Employer during and after the term of employment.

11. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

_______________________________

EMPLOYER

Name: Authorized Signatory

Date: _________________

_______________________________

EMPLOYEE

Name: Employee Name

Date: _________________

Nigerian Business Plan Template

Comprehensive business plan for Nigerian investors and banks.

BUSINESS PLAN

Your Business Name

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Business Name: Your Business Name

RC Number: CAC Registration Number

Industry: Industry Type

Location: City, State

Founded: Year

Business Overview:

Brief description of what your business does, your unique value proposition, and why it will succeed in the Nigerian market…

Funding Required:0.00

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Mission Statement:

Your mission statement here…

Vision Statement:

Your vision statement here…

Products/Services:

  • Product/Service 1
  • Product/Service 2
  • Product/Service 3

MARKET ANALYSIS

Target Market:

Description of your target customers in Nigeria…

Market Size:

Total addressable market in Nigeria…

Competition:

  • Competitor 1 – Strengths/Weaknesses
  • Competitor 2 – Strengths/Weaknesses

MARKETING & SALES STRATEGY

Marketing Channels:

  • Social Media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)
  • WhatsApp Marketing
  • Local Radio/TV
  • Word of Mouth

Pricing Strategy:

Your pricing approach for the Nigerian market…

FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS (3 Years)

YearRevenue (₦)Expenses (₦)Net Profit (₦)
Year 10.000.000.00
Year 20.000.000.00
Year 30.000.000.00

FUNDING REQUIREMENTS

Total Funding Needed:0.00

Use of Funds:

  • Equipment: ₦0.00
  • Working Capital: ₦0.00
  • Marketing: ₦0.00
  • Other: ₦0.00

Supplier Database Template

Organize your Nigerian suppliers and vendors

SUPPLIER DATABASE

Company: Your Company Name
Last Updated: Date

Supplier Information

Supplier NameProducts/ServicesContact PersonPhoneLocationPayment Terms
Supplier 1ProductsContact Name08012345678LagosNet 30
Supplier 2ServicesContact Name08012345678AbujaCOD
Supplier 3Raw MaterialsContact Name08012345678Port Harcourt50% Deposit

Key Supplier Details

Primary Supplier

Company: Supplier Name

RC Number: RC123456

TIN: 12345678-0001

Bank Details: Bank Name, Account Number

Address: Full Address

Email: [email protected]

Credit Limit:0.00

Notes: Special terms or conditions…

Supplier Evaluation Criteria

  • Registered with CAC
  • Valid TIN certificate
  • Competitive pricing
  • Reliable delivery times
  • Quality products/services
  • Good payment terms
  • Located within reasonable distance
  • Good customer service

Payment Terms & Conditions

Standard payment terms for Nigerian businesses

PAYMENT TERMS & CONDITIONS

Company Name: Your Business Name
Effective Date: Date

1. PAYMENT METHODS ACCEPTED

  • Bank Transfer (Preferred)
  • Bank Draft/Certified Cheque
  • Online Payment (Paystack/Flutterwave)
  • Mobile Money Transfer
  • Cash (for amounts under ₦50,000)

2. PAYMENT TERMS

Standard Terms: Net 30 days

New Customers: 50% deposit, balance on delivery

Large Orders (Above ₦1,000,000): 40% deposit, 60% on delivery

3. BANK DETAILS

Bank Name:Your Bank
Account Name:Your Business Name
Account Number:0123456789
Account Type:Current Account

4. TAXES AND LEVIES

  • All prices are subject to 7.5% VAT as required by Nigerian law
  • Withholding Tax (WHT) of 5% applies to corporate clients
  • WHT certificates must be provided within 30 days of payment

5. LATE PAYMENT POLICY

  • Interest of 2% per month on overdue accounts
  • Suspension of services after 60 days
  • Legal action for debts over 90 days

6. DISCOUNTS

  • Early Payment: 2% discount if paid within 10 days
  • Volume Discount: 5% for orders above ₦500,000
  • Referral Discount: 3% for successful referrals

7. REFUND POLICY

Refunds are processed within 14 working days for valid claims. Products must be returned in original condition. Service refunds are subject to terms of service agreement.

Important Notes:
  • Proof of payment must be sent to [email protected]
  • Orders are processed only after payment confirmation
  • Exchange rate for foreign currency is based on CBN rate on payment date

Tax Compliance Checklist

Ensure your business meets all Nigerian tax obligations.

NIGERIAN TAX COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

Business Name: Your Business Name
TIN: 12345678-0001
Tax Year: 2025

FEDERAL TAXES – FIRS

  • Register for TIN (Tax Identification Number)
  • File Annual Company Income Tax (CIT) – 30% of profit
  • File Monthly VAT Returns (7.5%)
  • Remit Monthly PAYE (Employee taxes)
  • Withholding Tax (WHT) remittance
  • File Annual Tax Returns (Due: 6 months after year end)
  • Education Tax (2% of assessable profit)

STATE TAXES

  • Personal Income Tax (for employees)
  • Development Levy
  • Business Premises Permit
  • Signage and Advertisement Permit
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (if applicable)

MONTHLY OBLIGATIONS

Tax TypeDue DateStatus
VAT Returns21st of following month☐ Pending
PAYE Remittance10th of following month☐ Pending
WHT Remittance21st of following month☐ Pending
Pension Remittance7th of following month☐ Pending

ANNUAL FILING CALENDAR

DocumentDue DatePenalty for Late Filing
Company Income Tax6 months after year end₦25,000 + interest
Annual Returns (CAC)42 days after AGM₦5,000 per year
Audited AccountsWith tax returnsRequired for filing

TAX PLANNING TIPS

  • Keep all receipts and invoices organized
  • Maintain proper books of accounts
  • Claim all allowable deductions
  • File returns on time to avoid penalties
  • Engage a tax consultant for complex matters
  • Register for e-filing on FIRS portal
Penalties to Avoid:
  • Late VAT filing: ₦50,000 for first month + ₦25,000 per subsequent month
  • Late PAYE remittance: 10% penalty + interest
  • Non-filing of annual returns: Criminal prosecution possible

Complete Business Registration Guide

Step-by-step guide for all Nigerian business registrations.

BUSINESS REGISTRATION GUIDE

PHASE 1: CAC REGISTRATION

Timeline: 24-48 hours

Cost: ₦10,000 (Business Name) / ₦40,000+ (Limited Company)

  1. Create account on services.cac.gov.ng
  2. Search and reserve business name
  3. Complete registration forms
  4. Upload required documents
  5. Make payment online
  6. Download certificate

PHASE 2: TAX REGISTRATION

Timeline: 2-5 days

Cost: Free

  1. Visit nearest FIRS office or apply online
  2. Submit CAC certificate
  3. Complete TIN application form
  4. Provide utility bill for address verification
  5. Receive TIN certificate
  6. Register for VAT (if applicable)

PHASE 3: BANK ACCOUNT

Required Documents:

  • CAC Certificate
  • TIN Certificate
  • Board Resolution (for Limited Companies)
  • ID cards of signatories
  • Passport photographs
  • Utility bill
  • Initial deposit (varies by bank)

PHASE 4: BUSINESS PERMITS

Permit TypeIssuing AuthorityCost Range
Business Premises PermitLocal Government₦5,000 – ₦50,000
Fire Safety CertificateFire Service₦10,000 – ₦30,000
Environmental PermitState EPA₦20,000 – ₦100,000
Signage PermitLASAA (Lagos)₦25,000+

PHASE 5: INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC LICENSES

  • Food Business: NAFDAC registration
  • Pharmacy: PCN license
  • School: Ministry of Education approval
  • Hospital/Clinic: HEFAMAA registration
  • Import/Export: NEPC certificate
  • Manufacturing: SON certification

PHASE 6: EMPLOYER REGISTRATIONS

  • Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) registration
  • Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)
  • Industrial Training Fund (ITF)
  • Employee Compensation Act (ECA) registration
  • Group Life Insurance

Useful Contacts

CAC: 09062978569, [email protected]

FIRS: 0700-2255-3477

SMEDAN: [email protected]

NAFDAC: 0800-162-3322

Here are key documents that every new business in Nigeria should have. They’re available here 100% free. You can edit, print, and use them as you please.