Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) is an important 9 identification number required for some certain types of companies that wants to explore international markets. In this article, we will be looking at how to register and get a DUNS number online in Nigeria.
As the business environment grows over the years and becomes complex, the need for more strict regulation and regulatory bodies keeps evolving also.
Building a credible and sustainable company isn’t just about registering your company with CAC, doing SCUML and trademarking your brand name, It goes beyond that.
While for some companies, obtaining the above will just be okay, however, certain companies require further and strict regulations which one of them is having a DUNS number.
What is a DUNS Number?
DUNS – (Data Universal Numbering System) Number is a unique 9 digit identification number that is required by companies who are into financial technology and lending services.
It serves as a bridge to open many doors for your company, giving you the opportunity to partner with other businesses, receive and submit contract bids, and more
In Nigeria, a lot of lending companies are required to secure this DUNS number to get their lending apps listed on Google Play Store. This further builds credibility, authority and trust.
Not only does Nigerian Businesses needs a DUNS Number, it is a global identifier that gives companies international recognition. It is used to identify and track more than 300 million businesses worldwide
Services Offered by DUN & Bradstreet
Update of company information (for private owned companies)
- Application for a DUNS Number
- Status of existing case
- Establish company directories
Companies That Needs DUNS Number in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the following companies need a DUNS number
- Lending companies
- Manufacturing companies
- Fintech companies
- Renewable energy companies
- Professional services companies
- Companies into exportation
- Any other company that contracts with government agencies
Benefits of Having a DUNS Number for Nigerian Companies
Below are some vital benefits of getting a DUNS number in Nigeria.
1. Securing Government Contracts
Companies intending to secure government contracts, loans and grants either locally or internationally require the DUNS number to build creditability and foster the deal.
2. Access To Debt Equity Funding
Most lending companies require the DUNS number when provided with a situation to provide loans or financial resources. The DUNS number is crucial in assessing the risk appetite and credit risk of these companies
3. Global Recognition and Credibility
With a DUNS (Dun & Bradstreet) number, your company will get global recognition. The unique 9-digit code helps businesses establish trust and credibility with international partners, suppliers, and customers.
4. Get Listed on Digital Platforms
DUNS provides an opportunity for companies to get listed on Apple Playstore, Google Play. In Nigeria where most lending companies can not do without mobile apps and its availability on Playstore, having a DUNS number enable these companies to upload their apps for customers to download
Guide to Register And Get a DUNS Number Online in Nigeria
You can register for a DUNS Number in Nigeria either by sending a mail to DUNS, visiting their physical office or doing the registration online.
Free DUNS application only works for UK or US companies, for Nigerian companies, there is a cost to pay.
For online registration, you will have to visit the DUNS website Nigeria
Select Nigeria as your country, select your Annual Turnover category and click “Register”. A confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided. Then you will be required to confirm the email.
- Choose a company you wish to register with (APPLE or GOOGLE) and click “Make Payment”. On the next page, pay the fee corresponding to your company’s turnover into the D&B Access Bank Account and choose “Offline” payment option.
- After making payment and uploading the evidence of payment, the system takes you to “Upload Documents” Page
- After uploading and submitting documents, the system takes you to Company Details.
- Complete the “Basic Details” and edit as appropriate, then click “Continue”.
- The system takes you to “Contact Person” after completing it, click “Next”.
- On the products page, click “Add Product”.
- On the page displayed, type in one Keyword for your Product/Service (E.g Money Lending) and click “Search”.
- From the list provided, select options applicable to your company under the “Product Name”, scroll down, and click “Add Products.”
- On the page for measurements, select applicable option, for actual and installed capacity, input a whole number then click “Submit/Save”.
- To add more product lines, please repeat steps 6 – 9.
- At the “Preview” page, you will get to see all the information you have provided along with the products chosen, and you can edit the information or add more products.
- Once done with the preview, you can click the “Submit” button and the system takes you to the “Questionnaire” page. If the system does not respond immediately, please log out and login again.
- To answer the questions, click on the blue pencil symbol below each question, edit and save. There are 10 questions in all and once done, you will see the” Finish” button, click this to submit the questionnaire.
- Finally, put your name in the “Attestation” and you have completed the registration process.
Documents Requirements for DUNS Number Registration
To process your DUNs number in Nigeria, you will be needing the following information and documents,
- Evidence of company registration such as CAC Certificate, CO2 (Allotment of Shares), CO7 (Directors Details) You can replace them with Status Report and MEMART).
- Utility bill or other 3rd party document showing company address
- Current Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) for 2023, 2024 & 2025 (or Personal Income Tax Certificate for Business Name Registration). For new companies that are less than 12 months post CAC registration, they can just upload MEMART
- VAT (Value Added Tax) letter or a Status Report if the company is less than 12 months post-registration.
- Company Profile showing the organogram and governance structure
- A Bank reference letter addressed to Country Head, Dun & Bradstreet, if the company is more than 6 months post-registration.
- Information about the owner of the company
- Total number of employees (both past and present) via a PENCOM Certificate
Cost To Register for DUNS (Dun & Bradstreet) Number in Nigeria
The cost of processing a DUNs number in Nigeria comes at a due diligence fee. This fee is dependent on the company’s turnover.
There is also an applied VAT rate of 7.5% on the company turnover and a dollar exchange rate of $800 to ₦1
| Vendor Category | Turnover Range (₦) | Due Diligence Fee ($) | Due Diligence Fee with VAT (₦) |
| Category A | Above 50 Million | $200 | ₦172,000 |
| Category B | 10 Million – 49,999,999 | $150 | ₦129,000 |
| Category C | 5 Million – 9,999,999 | $100 | ₦86,000 |
| Category D | 0 – 4,999,999 | $70 | ₦60,200 |
This means your DUNS fee is dependent on the annual turnover of your company. The companies with a turnover above 50 million will pay the highest fee and vice versa.
How Long Does It Take to Get a DUNS Number in Nigeria?
Document validation and processing of D-U-N-S Number Certificate takes 30 Business Days from the day you provide all the required documents. The Certificate will be sent to you via email.
Note: Providing fake documents or falsifying information could lead to rejection and there won’t be any refund after payment.
Get DUNS Number Online Through A Professional Consultant
The process of going online or even physical office to process your D-U-N-S Number could be tiring. To save you this stress, we can process your DUNS number seamlessly and deliver to you anywhere you can in Nigeria.
Process your DUNS Number with Legacy Benjamin Consult
WhatsApp us today via 08066108299
With our years of experience in consulting, we can help you secure your D-U-N-S 9 digit number and certificate wherever you are.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a DUNS Number
Below are some common mistakes that may lead to your eventual rejection
- Not paying the required month based on company turnover
- Falsifying documents which might lead to rejection
- Using the wrong information
- Not hiring a professional consultant to handle your registration
DUNS Nigeria Contact
Below is contact information of Dun and Bradstreet in Nigeria
1 Tunde Gafar Close, Off Adeniyi Jones road, Ikeja, Lagos State
Tel: +234 02012803777
Mobile: +234 704 338 7900
How to Check or Verify Your DUNS Number
You can verify your DUNS number in Nigeria by doing the following;
- Visit the DUNS website
- Search for your company
- Select the displayed DUNS number and other company information for accuracy
Dun & Bradstreet FAQs
Below are some DUNS frequently asked questions
1. Is DUNS free in Nigeria?
No. DUNS application in Nigeria is not free. Only US companies are allowed to process DUNS at a free cost. Nigerian companies are required to pay due deligence fee.
2. Is DUNS number required for NGO?
Yes. NGO Swilling to explore international territories and gain a global recognition will need a DUNS number
3. What happens after successful DUNS registration?
You will gain international recognition, gain credit worthiness and secure government grants and financial support
4. Who Requires DUNS Number?
Lending companies, companies that contract with the government, export companies and manufacturing companies
5. Does DUNS Number Expire?
No.
6. Are there any renewal fees on DUNS number?
No.
No. Once you pay the due deligence fee, there will be no recurrent payment
Conclusion:
Dun & Bradstreet helps companies large and small drive growth, manage risk, and strengthen the performance of their business. Getting a DUNS number for your company in Nigeria helps you tap into the global markets, gain credibility and trust.
