CAC share capital is a big issue when it comes to registrations. This is because the cost of registering any company depends on the designated share capital assigned to it. In this guide, we will understand the CAC share capital list in Nigeria and how you can download the PDF file
If you are an accountant, a Lawyer, or anyone who handles CAC registration, the first question you should ask your client who wants to register a company is what the company is going to be involved in.
It would be a terrible mistake to price an engagement and even collect the job before finding out what the company is involved in. (You will most likely underprice the work and later discover the company’s activities require a higher share capital.)
Why Share Capital Matters in Nigerian Company Registration
Share capital is the total amount of funds that a company has raised through the issuance of shares to its shareholders.
It is the core of any company because it determines its ability to enter into contracts, borrow funds, and raise equity shares from potential investors.
Share capital also represents the financial structure and power surrounding any company, which is crucial in securing an industry license.
The cost of paying CAC and stamp duty during registration also varies, with an increase as the share capital goes up.
Finally, a company’s issued share capital will determine how it will be divided into units and allotted in the desired percentage to the shareholders
Role of Share Capital in Obtaining Business Licences and Permits
The share capital of a company plays a key role in applying for and obtaining industry licences. If the company does not meet the required threshold, it will be denied access to the license.
For example, any foreigner who wishes to register a company in Nigeria and obtain an expatriate quota and a business license from the Ministry of Interior must register such a company with a share capital of not less than 100 million shares
Again, any lending company in Nigeria that wishes to secure a Lagos State lending license must register such a company as a finance company with a share capital of 20 million. The list goes on.
How Share Capital Affects SCUML, NAFDAC, and CBN Licensing
Similarly, some companies that do not meet the required share capital will not be able to secure SCUML, NAFDAC and CBN licensing.
These agencies and ministries of government set minimum paid-up share capital thresholds as part of their licensing criteria, reflecting the financial strength and operational capacity of the applying company.
In Nigeria, commercial banks with international licences need a minimum share capital of N500 billion, while those with national licences require N200 billion
If such banks fail to meet this share capital, they can not secure a CBN license in Nigeria.
CAC Share Capital List by Business Type (2025 Update)
Now, let’s have a look at some CAC share capital lists based on different companies and industries.
Share Capital Requirement for Private Limited Company
In Nigeria, the minimum share capital threshold for a small private limited liability company is ₦100,000.
No private company in Nigeria should be registered with a share capital of less than ₦100,000. As a general norm, a large percentage of companies adopt 1,000,000 (One million) shares.
Companies with certain activities that require a designated share capital are exempted from this.
Public Limited Company Share Capital Threshold
According to CAMA 2020, Public companies are required to have a minimum share capital of not less than ₦2,000,000 shares.
Example of PLC companies include all commercial banks like GT Bank, First Bank, UBA, Fidelity e.t.c
A major difference between public and private company shares.
- Public company shares are listed on the stock market and are publicly traded.
- For private companies, the shares are not listed on the stock market and are all paid up
Share Capital for Foreign-Owned Companies in Nigeria
Companies with foreign owners in Nigeria are mandated to have a minimum share capital of ₦100,000,000 (One hundred million)
CAC Share Capital List in Nigeria: PDF File Download
Whether you are a CAC agent just starting your journey, or you are a business owner who wants to be resourceful by knowing this CAC share capital threshold.
I have compiled a list of CAC share capital for designated companies in Nigeria in a PDF file.
Having access to this PDF file will save you the stress of underpricing your registration fee whenever you meet a potential client and are in negotiations.
Knowing the CAC minimum share capital threshold will give you confidence to bill your client the right and most profitable way
Download CAC Share Capital List
Once you have downloaded the document file, keep it somewhere safe on your device.
Best Way To Use the Share Capital PDF When Registering a Business
Below is how you can maximize this PDF file
Once you’re about to land a new client
- Confirm the activities in which the company engages
- Open your PDF file and check what CAC says about the share capital of such companies
- Confirm the minimum share capital threshold
- Multiply CAC and stamp duty fees
- Calculate how much you should bill the client
FAQs on CAC Share Capital List in Nigeria
Q: Do NGOs have share capital in Nigeria
A: No. NGOs are non-profit, so they don’t require share capital. They are governed by a constitution rather than a shareholding
Q: I registered my company before. Can I increase the share capital?
A: Yes. CAC allows companies to increase share capital via post-incorporation
Q: I used the wrong share capital during CAC registration. What will happen?
A: CAC will most likely query the registration and ask you to pay up to meet the designated share capital threshold
Further challenges may be:
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Denial when applying for industry licensing
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Delays in opening a corporate bank account
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Rejection of the expatriate quota or business permit.
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Fines during CAC post-incorporation audits
Q: I need a professional to handle my CAC registration. Who should I contact?
A: You can reach out to Legacy Benjamin Consult via WhatsApp @ 08066108299
Conclusion:
I believe you must have downloaded the PDF file containing the full list of CAC share capital in Nigeria, and now understand how you can apply it to different companies during registration