Articles of Incorporation Template for Nigeria

Articles of Incorporation form the foundational legal document that officially creates a company in Nigeria, as required by the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). This document outlines essential details about your business, including its name, registered address, share structure, and the names of initial directors and shareholders.

When filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), these Articles transform your business idea into a recognized legal entity. They establish your company's basic rules, define its relationship with shareholders, and set boundaries for business activities. Most importantly, they serve as proof of your company's legitimate existence and help protect owners from personal liability.

You need Articles of Incorporation when starting any formal business venture in Nigeria that requires limited liability protection. This crucial document becomes essential before opening corporate bank accounts, signing contracts as a company, or seeking business loans from Nigerian financial institutions.

File your Articles of Incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) immediately after deciding on your company's structure and before conducting any official business operations. Many entrepreneurs prepare this document when expanding from sole proprietorship to a limited liability company, bringing in investors, or launching ventures that need clear ownership and governance documentation for regulatory compliance.

• Certificate Articles Of Incorporation: Standard form required for new company registration, including basic company details and structure
• Articles Of Association Document: Detailed internal rules governing company operations and shareholder relationships
• Certificate Of Incorporation Form: Official CAC document proving company existence and registration
• Articles Of Registration: Simplified version for small businesses and sole proprietorships
• Amended Certificate Of Incorporation: Used when modifying existing company information or structure

• Business Founders: Initiate and sign the Articles of Incorporation when establishing their company, defining ownership structure and business purpose
• Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review the Articles to ensure compliance with CAMA regulations and protect client interests
• Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC): Reviews, approves, and maintains official records of all Articles of Incorporation in Nigeria
• Company Directors: Named in the Articles and responsible for ensuring company operations align with stated objectives
• Shareholders: Bound by the Articles' provisions regarding share distribution, voting rights, and company governance
• Company Secretary: Maintains and updates the Articles, ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements

• Company Details: Decide on company name, verify its availability with CAC, and prepare business objectives
• Share Structure: Determine authorized share capital, types of shares, and initial share distribution
• Leadership Information: Gather full names, addresses, and signatures of all directors and company secretary
• Business Address: Secure and document your registered office address in Nigeria
• Identification Documents: Collect valid ID and passport photos of all directors and shareholders
• Payment Details: Prepare CAC filing fees and have proof of payment ready
• Document Review: Our platform generates compliant Articles of Incorporation, ensuring all mandatory elements meet CAMA requirements

• Company Name: Full registered name with "Limited" or "Ltd" suffix as approved by CAC
• Registered Office: Physical address within Nigeria where official documents can be served
• Business Objects: Detailed description of permitted business activities and scope
• Share Capital: Total authorized capital, types of shares, and initial allocation
• Director Details: Names, addresses, and occupations of first directors
• Subscriber Information: Names and signatures of initial shareholders with share quantities
• Meeting Procedures: Rules for conducting shareholder and board meetings
• Amendment Provisions: Process for modifying the Articles in future

Articles of Incorporation are often confused with Articles of Association in Nigeria's corporate law framework. While both documents are essential for company formation, they serve distinct purposes and operate differently under CAMA regulations.

• Primary Function: Articles of Incorporation establish the company's existence and basic identity with the CAC, while Articles of Association govern internal operations and relationships between shareholders
• Timing and Modification: Articles of Incorporation are filed once at company formation and require formal amendments, whereas Articles of Association can be modified more easily through shareholder resolutions
• Content Scope: Articles of Incorporation contain fundamental company details like name and share capital, while Articles of Association cover detailed operational rules, voting rights, and management procedures
• Legal Status: Articles of Incorporation serve as public record and proof of company existence, while Articles of Association function as an internal governance document