CAC BOARD AND MANAGEMENT CONCLUDES RETREAT ON “REBRANDING FOR SERVICE EXCELLENCE”

The Board and Management of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has concluded a three day retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State with the theme: ”Rebranding for Service Excellence”.

The commitment to corporate rebranding is to make the Commission more modern and relevant through improved service culture and performance to further enhance positive public perception.

The retreat was part of efforts to reposition the Commission for global reckoning as a modern business registry. The Board and Management assured customers of outstanding service delivery.

Participants appreciated the noticeable improvements made in the registration of companies and stressed the need to further enhance quality service delivery to customers. This is to facilitate business objectives as well as make the Commission more attractive to both the informal and formal sectors.

Also the vision, mission and core values of the Commission were revised to ensure clarity and better understanding to ensure corporate identity.

Similarly it was resolved that the amendment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) be vigorously pursued in order to make it more relevant to the business environment.

In a bid to improve the Commission’s ICT infrastructure, the Board and Management resolved to provide a robust ICT infrastructure that works and supports real time registration and e-payment as well as update the current CAC online software project.

In addition, an ICT platform that will be integrated with other key stakeholders and agencies will be given utmost attention.

The commencement of mobile registration which entails taking business registration to the door step of customers is also to receive priority attention so as to ease the stress encountered by customers

January, 2014
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has been presented with ISO 9001:2008 certificate following remarkable progress made during Revalidation Audit assessment.

Presenting the certificate at its formal presentation programme in Abuja, the Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Joseph Odumodu praised the internal processes of the Commission, saying, it is commendable, an indication that the Commission has maintained a solid system in quality management.

He reiterated that the CAC is a flagship ahead of other government agencies in the country in terms of service delivery which explains why it came top among government agencies during the previous SERVICOM assessment.

Dr Odumodu charged the Commission to ensure continual improvement of quality service delivery and customer satisfaction adding that the CAC should ensure continued compliance to the standard as the certificate is placed on three yearly quality surveillance and is subject to renewal every three years.

The Lead Auditor, SON, Mr. Tersoo Orngudwem, who led the team that came to the Commission in 2007 when it started the process of attaining ISO 9001:2000, when it was upgraded in 2010 and at the Revalidation Audit October 2013, collaborated in one of his visits to the Commission that the CAC is a flagship ahead of other government agencies in the country adding, the CAC is Europe in Nigeria in all ramifications. I am proud of CAC being our flagship, you are number one since 2007 and Revalidation Audit shows that CAC is still doing it right six years after. Highpoint of the event was the formal unveiling of the award by the DG of SON who enjoined the CAC to proudly display the certificate in all the Commission’s state offices across the country as the effectiveness of maintaining the status lies in CAC offices.

The Registrar General of the CAC, Alhaji Bello Mahmud in his address stated that the Commission in a bid to review its processes further in line with the world best standard intends to reduce incorporation period to three hours. This he hopes to achieve in the first quarter of next year as soon as installation of new soft-wares is completed.

It could be recalled that the CAC embarked on ISO 9001:2000 in year 2007 to attain a world class companies’ registry in line with its vision.

Six years of embarking on the process of obtaining ISO certification for quality Management System (QMS NIS 9001:2000), being the first government agency in the country to attain ISO certification, the CAC has continually been upgraded to ISO 9001:2008 and has scaled through Revalidation Audit.

With the certification, the Commission is engaged in the process of standardization for quality service delivery, procedures, office environment and continual improvement of all its processes.

The Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, has expressed its commitment to support the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) to sanitize and professionalize the insurance brokerage practice in the country.

The Registrar-General of the Commission, Alhaji Bello Mahmud stated this when the President of the NCRIB, Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu and some key members of the governing council paid him a courtesy visit.

The Registrar-General who agreed with the NCRIB governing Council’s request that the Commission compel insurance brokerage companies to comply with minimum share capital of N5million as prescribed by law for registration of such companies directed the Compliance department to give it full effect.

Responding to NCRIB’s request to cancel the registration of the Association of Professional and Practicing Insurance Brokers of Nigeria, Alhaji Bello Mahmud pointed out that the Commission operates in line with the regulations stipulated by Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAMA.

He said that the Commission has no power to deregister any company or Association it statutorily incorporated even as he added that the CAC would look into the issue raised by NCRIB.

The NCRIB governing council members were in the Commission to among other things solicit its co-operation to sanitize and professionalize the insurance brokerage practice especially as it affects incorporation of new companies wishing to go into insurance brokerage.

The President of NCRIB suggested that the CAC requests for evidence of professional qualification of the Chartered Insurance of Nigeria or its equivalent from at least a director in a brokerage company filing for registration, adding that the measure will pave way for greater professionalism and improve the quality of service delivery by the companies.

The Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Alhaji Bello Mahmud has won this year’s prestigious “CEO of the Year Award” by AES Excellence Club. Alhaji Mahmud was presented with the award during a colourful ceremony held on Friday 12th December, 2014 at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The award was to recognize performance and reward corporate excellence.

Presenting the award, the former Minister of Industries and Chairman of AES Excellence Club Dr. (Mrs) Nike Akande, CON said the award was in recognition of the Registrar-General’s avowed commitment to leadership excellence, provision of user-friendly services and selfless service to nation building. Dr. Akande was supported during the presentation by the President of AES Excellence Club Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu, MFR.

Receiving the award, Alhaji Bello Mahmud expressed deep appreciation for the award and dedicated the award to Management and Staff of the Corporate Affairs Commission. He pledged his commitment to continue to do his best to achieve the vision of the Commission to be a “World Class Companies Registry”. He added that he was encouraged by the conferment from an impeccable organization known for identifying and rewarding excellent performance.

The CEO OF THE YEAR AWARD is an initiative designed by the AES Excellence Club, a Non- Government Organization (NGO), to reward, celebrate, encourage and project individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions towards the development of the nation in various fields of endeavor.

The Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Alhaji Bello Mahmud has been presented with a Certificate of Performance in service delivery.

Presenting the certificate to the Registrar-General (RG), the President Coalition of Civil Society Group (CCSG) Etuk Bassey Williams described the Commission’s performance in service delivery as outstanding and collocated with President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda.

He revealed that the decision to award Certificate of Performance in service delivery was reached after a thorough evaluation of projects in CAC based on quality content analysis of services of the Commission and its mandate.

He stressed that they relied on freedom of information bill to carry out their independent assessment and averred that if all government agencies perform like the CAC, Nigeria will be a greater nation.

Etuk Bassey said the coalition of civil society group is an assemblage of 2,000 registered diverse and virile non-governmental organizations with mandate of building a stronger and wider participation in governance by all Nigerians and is affiliated with International Agencies.

Receiving the certificate, the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Alhaji Bello Mahmud thanked the Coalition for finding him worthy of the honour and pledge his commitment to continue to work for the progress of the Commission and the Country in general.

He revealed that the Commission is working assiduously to perfect its newly deployed registration software for effective service delivery.

He said as of now, name search or availability is conducted online by the customers while the next project is the e-stamping to enable customers file company registration on-line.

He further stated that the Commission is in collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in this regard, and the project is near completion. The completion of the project will further reduce registration services to just few hours.

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has elected Hajiya Laraba Shuaibu, Director (Human Resources) of Corporate Affairs Commission as its Regional Vice President for Africa (RVP).

The election which was held in Banglore,India between 15th -19th November,2014 during FIDA’s 35th Triennial Convention drew participants from across the globe.

Laraba Shuaibu, a pioneer staff of the CAC is a seasoned legal practitioner and a consummate administrator and has held various positions in the Commission including Head Customer Service and Director Business Names amongst others.

Until her election, Laraba Shuaibu had served as Chairperson FIDA Abuja Chapter 2009-2011.

Her election as FIDA Regional Vice President for Africa is for a period of three years.

Hajia Laraba Shuaibu,Director Human Resources

The Company Registration Portal (an online platform for Company Registration) has been formally launched on Monday 2nd February 2015 by the Honourable Minister for Industry,Trade and Investment,Dr Olusegun Aganga CON.

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) held its Customers’ Forum on Wednesday 4^th March, 2015 Customers’ Forum is intended to bring together Management of the Commission and Stakeholders including Legal Practitioners, Chartered Accountants, Chartered Secretaries and other customers to interact on issues pertaining to the operations of the Commission.

In their submissions, many of the customers commended the transformation going on in the Commission particularly the recent launch of the CAC Registration Portal (CRP).  The new registration portal would enable customers and prospective business owners register their businesses or companies directly with ease at the comfort of their homes or offices.

The customers also acknowledged improvement in service delivery, especially when compared with other service organizations. The Stakeholders enjoined the Commission to fast-track the development of its online portal for enhanced service delivery. Furthermore, they stressed the need for the staff to continue to put more effort to ensure optimum performance.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Registrar-General of the Commission, Alhaji Bello Mahmud said the Customers’ Forum was very crucial to its operations, hence all Directors and Heads of Department were in attendance. Adding, the Commission also regards the interest of stakeholders to be paramount and therefore wishes to have a feedback from them to enable the Commission know where it is excelling and areas that require more improvement.

The Registrar-General reiterated that availability was already online, the new CRP accommodates searches online even as customers can make payment online. He stated that the CAC was scanning backlog of companies’ records dating back to 1912 into the database with a view to eradicating manual searches. He revealed that when the exercise is completed by December 2015 all searches would be conducted electronically.

The Registrar-General therefore solicited the support and cooperation of the stakeholders in the efforts to move the Commission forward and ensure efficient service delivery. He assured that the Commission would continue to work hard to realize the objectives for which it was established.

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2015
Venue: Congress hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Introduction
The Corporate Citizens Award is an annual event initiated by the corporate Affairs Commission under the auspices of the Board of the Commission.

Objective
The objective of the Award is to promote the culture of good corporate governance in the Nigerian environment by recognizing corporate citizens who have conducted their affairs to date in compliance with statutory requirements and best practices of corporate governance.

Criteria and Eligibility
To be eligible, nominees must have complied with the requirements of the Companies and Allied Matters Act and respective industry status/regulations to date. The nominees must also have performed creditably well in corporate social responsibility and productively impacted on the industry within which they operate.

Award Task Force

• Ausbeth N. Ajagu, Ph.D, MFR, NPOM                                              – Board Member Coordinating Chairman
• Bello Mahmud (Registrar General)                                               – Member
• Lady Azuka Azinge (Director, Customer Service)                         – Member
• Churchill Williams (Director, Public Affairs)                                  – Member
• Gado Shehu mni, (Director, State office)                                       – Member
• Adebayo Zaccheaus Olayiwola (Deputy Director, Budget)         – Member
• Godfrey Ike (Deputy Director, Public Affairs)                                  – Member
• Toyin Abey (Deputy Director, Customer Service)                           – Member
• Moses Adaguusu                                                                                 -Member
• Mohammed Aliyu Yazid                                                                      -Member
• Abdulkadir Modibbo (Compliance Department)                           – Member
• Rasheed Mahe (Public Affairs Department)                                   – Member
• Hauwa Inuwa Kulu (Head, Yaba(lagos) Office)                             – Member
• Iliya M. Ajibu (Public Affairs Department)                                     – Member
• Sunday C. Okolo (ICT Department)                                               – Member
• Tolulope Adeola Sonaike (Commission Secretariat)                   – Secretary

For enquiries or comments, Email: protocol@cac.gov.ng. Tel: 08033223410

Nine Companies have emerged winners in the maiden edition of the Corporate Affairs Commission Corporate Citizens Award.  Out of over 800 companies that were nominated for the award, only 26 companies made the final list, out of which the nine winning companies emerged during the award at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The categories and winners are as follows:

1. Most Extensive Compliance Category

• Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc

 2. More Extensive Compliance Category

• Access Bank Plc
• Zenith Bank Plc

 3.  Extensive Compliance Category

• United Bank for Africa Plc
• Asha Microfinance Bank Ltd
• Lafarge Africa Plc

4. Above Basic Compliance Category

• Leadway Assurance Ltd
• Nigerian Breweries Plc

 5. Basic Compliance Category

• Yobe Investment and Securities Ltd

The event was well attended by Regulatory and Supervisory Bodies, Captains of Industries, Industrialists, Stakeholders and top Government Functionaries.

It was pomp and pageantry when the winners were announced by Nigeria’s one time Minister of Industry Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande, CON who was a member of the Panel of Judges under the Chairmanship of Dr. Christopher

Kolade, CON.  Dr. Kolade had earlier in his award opening statement explained the guidelines and criteria for selection.

The awards were presented by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Olusegun Aganga, CON who was the Chief Host and the Chairman of the Board of the Commission Otunba Funso Lawal, CON.

In his key note address at the award night, the Hon. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Olusegun Aganga said that the award will recognize Corporate Citizens who have distinguished themselves in the conduct of their business, and promote the culture of good statutory compliance in Nigeria.

Dr. Aganga expressed delight that the award started during his tenure as the supervising minister adding that good business conduct was a major principle of his ministry because it will create the requisite environment for rapid economic growth and development.

He spoke about the integrity of the panel of judges headed by Dr. Christopher Kolade and commended the Commission’s wisdom for collaborating with other regulatory and professional bodies to ensure that awardees merit the award.

According to the Minister, the award will change the focus in doing business in Nigeria with a view to stimulate the growth of the domestic economy.

In his welcome address the Chairman of the Board of the Commission Otunba Funso Lawal said that the award was unique in two ways.  He said it will not only inspire a new orientation in the business environment but will also provoke our consciousness as a people to reflect on good business practice.

The Chairman said the award is part of efforts by the Board and Management of the Commission to reposition it for global reckoning by sanitizing business practices, check business malpractices, attract investors and boost the economy.  This he said will improve Nigeria’s rating in the global competitive index of doing business.

Also speaking, the Registrar-General of the Commission Alhaji Bello Mahmud stated that the awards covered areas such as quality of financial managements, management of stakeholder’s relations, workplace environment, corporate social responsibility, industry leadership, innovation as well as environmental performance.He said that the awardees complied with statutory requirements and best practices of corporate governance.

The Registrar-General thanked the Hon. Minister, the Board, the Panel of Judges and Management of the Commission for the commitment towards the success of the award.  He also congratulated the winners and appreciated the invited guests for honouring the Commission with their esteemed presence at the award ceremony

Corporate Affairs Commission in Conjunction with Academy for Entrepreneurial studies, Nigeria (AES) Presents one day Intensive Programme for Company Directors and Secretaries.
Theme: Corporate Administration: Role of Directors and Secretaries.
Date: Friday 14TH August, 2015.

Corporate Affairs Commission in Conjunction with Academy for Entrepreneurial studies, Nigeria (AES) Presents one day Intensive Programme for Company Directors and Secretaries.
Theme: Corporate Administration: Role of Directors and Secretaries.
Date:Date will be communicated soon

OBJECTIVES:
1. To educate participants on how to maximize the online interface e-registration portal and e- service of the commission.
2. To strategically position Nigeria business organization to attract venture capital and access to available development funds.
3. To keep participants abreast with emergent issues with regards to compliance and enforcement of companies and Allied Matters Act(1990).
4. Opportunity for networking.
COURSE CONTENT:
1. Online /internet company Registration initiatives CAC e-service and online Registration.
2. Emerging issues in compliance .
3. Strategic leadership for organizational excellence .
4. The board of directors as catalysts.
5. Strategic cost management for profitability.
6. Enhancing your Brand through corporate social Responsibility
COURSE FEE:
N40,000 (covering tea/lunch breaks, lecture booklet, certificate of participation and photographs and branded bags)

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:
1. Attendance is highly recommended for companies registered with CAC
2. Registration forms are available on AES & CAC websites www.cac.gov.ng, www.aes-edu.net
3. Completed registration forms must be accompanied with evidence of payment of the course fee
4. All payments must be made into academy for Entrepreneurial studies, Nigeria (AES) Bank Account.

For further enquiries, please contact chima on 08062839882, 08023306007 and Abubakar on 08099000096 or email us at www.aes-nig@yahoo.com,
info@aes-edu.net, cservice@cac.gov.ng

Signed:
Paul Umukoro, M.AES
Registrar, AES

CAC NEW REGISTRATION PORTAL, AN INITIATIVE FOR SERVICE EXCELLENCE

In response to the demand for a better set of laws that would take care of the peculiarities of the society, the Federal Government in March 1987 directed the Nigerian Law Reform Commission to carry out a reform of the various business laws including the 1968 Companies Act.

The Law Reform Commission after two years of deliberation, recommended an independent well funded and well staffed body to administer Companies Regulations and related matters in the country.  The recommendations of the Law Reform Commission led to the enactment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act and the subsequent establishment of the Corporate Affairs Commission.

The Corporate Affairs Commission started operations on 14^th of February, 1991.  The Commission is the agency of government charged with, amongst other responsibilities, the regulation and supervision of the formation, incorporation, registration and management of Companies, Business Names and Incorporated Trustees.

The Commission as a regulator is a catalysts for economic development in the country.  This has therefore bestowed on it the responsibility to ease the registration of businesses and also create the enabling environment for business growth.

The Commission appears to be working towards the realization of its mandate.  Over the past few years, it has consistently embarked on reforms, aimed at sanitizing the business environment with the overall objective to change the focus in doing business in Nigeria.  This is to further stimulate the growth of the economy.

Until 2004, registration activities in the Commission were manually carried out with the attendant problems of duplication and mistakes in names as well as registration numbers, pilferage and mutilation of records, fraudulent filings amongst several other problems.

One of such reforms was the introduction and the use of electronic workflows for registration activities in 2004 with the deployment of the Content Pinnacle registration software.

This writer has it on good authority that the above software has been replaced with the new Company Registration Portal (CRP) in September, 2014 which was introduced under a joint initiative of the Commission and the Federal Ministry of Communications Technology.This new platform enables customers to process and pay for name availability and new incorporation services electronically via the web.  The electronic payment interface is supported by Nigerian interbank settlement systems plc (NIBSS).  A cursory look at the new platform indicates that customers will be able to process all other post incorporation filings via the portal before the end of 2015.

It gladdens my heart that this initiative is intended to ease business start-up by reducing the period of registration from days to few hours and is also expected to significantly improve the next ranking in the World Bank doing Business report.  This is what Nigeria need at this point of her history.  Government agencies should show seriousness in their functions because it is only by so doing that the purpose of Government which is to create the enabling environment for economic growth will be realized.

The Commission has also initiated a reliable system of capturing data through the introduction of the “Know your customer principle”.  This has made it compulsory for customers registering businesses with the Commission to submit recognized and acceptable form of identification.  They include photocopy of National Identity Card, Drivers License and data page of International Passport.From investigations, the Commission has so far decentralized its operations by opening offices in all the states of the Federation. The Commission has also made provision for the processing of company incorporation from start-to-finish in the two Lagos offices and also in Kano, Kaduna, Enugu and Port Harcourt.  Hitherto, state offices could only register Business Names.

This has made it possible for those state offices to process applications for new incorporations, print, seal and issue certificates to customers without recourse to the head office  Consequently, this has reduced the time frame for incorporation to 24 hours.  This will add value to the country’s business registration process since the start-to-finish will be extended to all the remaining 31 state offices.  This will have multiplier effect on the growth of the domestic economy.

To encourage business formalization, filing fees payable for new incorporation have been reduced by 50% in the case of companies with share capital within the threshold of N2million to N500million and 25% in the case of share capital  above N500million.  This reduction is intended to encourage migration from the informal to formal sector.

The first company in Nigeria was registered in 1912.  The Commission therefore inherited companies records running into thousands.  In the commitment to automate all companies records, it has started digitization of legacy records of entities registered before 2004 when the Commission’s electronic system started.   There is no doubting the fact that when the project is completed, it will capture the records of over 600,000 companies, about 1,000,000 Business and 40,000 Incorporated Trustees. This is also an avenue to ensure data security and integrity.

This writer is aware that the exercise will provide for electronic searches and other electronic transactions by customers and other interested persons.  So far records of 329,438 companies and 162,823 Business Names have been captured.  No organization can achieve transparency without proper record keeping.

Missing files was also a problem associated with post incorporation.  CAC is addressing this by introducing a file tracking system to enable the Record Management Department (RMD) to track movement of files within the offices.  This is to give a final solution to the issue of missing files.

In addition, the Commission had undertaken an in-house review of the Companies and Allied Matters Act , after over 20 year’s of operation and has identified various areas of amendments in line with current global trend in company practice and administration.  The proposed amendment, inside sources said would be exposed to stakeholders for their input before same is referred to the Federal Executive Council and for legislative attention by the National Assembly.  The amendments, when passed into law, will bring the country up to date in the Business World on Company Regulation and Practice.

The Commission, in collaboration with Growth and Employment in State (GEMS3) of the Department for International Development (DFID) has been carrying out sensitization campaigns across the country on the benefits of business registration.  Various state governments, market associations and chambers of commerce have supported the initiative and actively participated in the campaigns. It is heartwarming to gather that the target of the campaign is to get a minimum of twenty thousand (20,000) businesses to migrate from the informal sector to the formal sector within one year.  This is expected to deepen business growth and stimulate development of the domestic economy.In order to easy comprehensive online registration, the Commission is collaborating with the Federal Inland Revenue Service towards automating the payment of stamp duties and the stamping of the incorporation documents electronically on the Company Registration Portal.

This is to ensure complete elimination of physical submission of incorporation documents by customers to FIRS for stamping, as is presently the case, and reduce the period of registration to few hours.Doing Business Survey of the World Bank, geared towards the ease of doing business is the most reliable source of information on the global investment climate.  The efforts of the Commission, if sustained will greatly improve Nigeria’s ranking in the Doing Business Report.

This report is meant to apprise delegates of the activities of the Commission within the past year.

1.VOLUME OF ACTIVITIES        

 The Commission between the 1^st day of January, 2015 and the 30^th day of June 2015 registered the following under Parts A, B and C of the Act respectively –

Limited Liability Companies                          –      37,250

Business Names                                          –      21,196

Incorporated Trustees                                   –      4,529

The following post-incorporation applications were also received and registered within the same period –

Notice of Change of Name                           –      305

Notice of Increase in Share Capital                 –        1,126

Notice of Reduction in Share Capital               –      1

Notice of Charges                                          –      533

Notice of Appointment of Receivers                –        44

Application for Winding-up                              –      18

2.INTRODUCTION OF NEW REGISTRATION SOFTWARE

Delegates may wish to recall that in 2014, the Commission briefed the Conference on an all-encompassing Software being developed to replace the one that had been in use since 2004.  The new software called the Companies Registration Portal (CRP) was launched on the 2^nd day of February, 2015.  The replacement of the old software was largely informed by the inability of the former vendor to introduce essential upgrades to meet operational needs.  The CRP is a joint initiative of the Commission, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment and the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology.

The CRP is user-friendly.  It also affords customers on-line and real-time access to the services of the Commission from the comfort of their offices or homes using different e-payment platforms such as inter-switch, e-transact, MasterCard, Verve card and Visa card.

The Commission has since the launch of the CRP received and processed a total of 95,216 On-line applications made up as follows –

Limited Liability Companies                          –      32,664

Business Names                                         –      55,882

Incorporated Trustees                                  –      6,664

It is hoped that the figure will radically increase over time.

At the moment, however, only name search and new registration services are available on the Portal. The other components are still being tested and will be deployed shortly.  These other components include all Post Incorporation services and Electronic Searches, Electronic Stamping together with uploading of duly signed documents for pre incorporation and post incorporation activities.

The Commission is also working towards external hosting of the registration software to address the challenges of connectivity, network disruptions and bandwidth.  It is reviewing proposals from the hosting companies both locally and abroad and a decision is expected to be made in due course.

3.COLLABORATION WITH FEDERAL INLAND REVENUE SERVICE ON ELECTRONIC STAMPING OF DOCUMENTS

The Commission is collaborating with Federal Inland Revenue Services with a view to introducing electronic stamping (e-stamping) of documents on the CRP.   The e-stamping will dispense with physical submission of documents and facilitate one stop on-line shop for company registration.

4.DIGITALIZATION OF LEGACY RECORDS

The digitalization of 600,000 company records, 1,000,000 Business names records and 40,000 Incorporated Trustees records which commenced in 2014 has reached an advanced stage.  363,013 company records and 162,823 Business Names records have so far been digitalized.  The digitalization project is expected to be completed at the end of this year.  Its completion will facilitate access to post-incorporation records and ensure data safety and security.

5.INTRODUCTION OF FILE TRACKING SYSTEM

In order to eliminate the issue of missing files, the Commission has introduced file tracking system that will assist Records Management Department in tracking movement of files out of and into the Department. CCTV cameras have also been installed to provide additional security for files.

6.SENSITIZATION ON THE MENACE OF UN-REGISTERED BUSINESSES

The Commission is collaborating with the Growth and Employment in States (GEMS3) division of the Department of International Development (DFID) to sensitize the general public on the benefits of formalization of businesses by way of registration. This is in conjunction with some State Governments, Chambers of Commerce, market and trade associations. Under the initiative, registration services are taken to the door steps of entrepreneur.

7.ENFORCEMENT VISITS

The Commission has also stepped-up its enforcement visits to companies to raise awareness of statutory obligations on  them to, amongst others, display their names and registration numbers outside their places of business; file annual returns,  and notices of change of registered office address; display statements prepared in the form of Schedule 14; publish names of directors in trade circulars, show cards and business letters and maintain statutory books.

Over 1,539 companies were inspected last year.  Infractions were visited with administrative penalties to deter recurrence.

8.STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTS

Apart from interactions with members of our noble profession, the Commission has also maintained formal regular engagements with stakeholders particularly professional groups through its Customer Forum.  The Commission intends to sustain such forum in its deliberate effort to obtain feedback on its services.  Learned colleagues are encouraged to take advantage of such forum to make constructive criticisms and contributions.

9.CORPORATE CITIZENS AWARD

The Commission instituted an Annual Corporate Citizens Award to promote the culture of statutory compliance in the Nigerian business environment by recognizing some corporate citizens who have conducted their affairs in compliance with CAMA and other relevant statutory requirements.

The Maiden Edition of the Award was held on 21^st May, 2015.  Nine companies received awards in various categories after a rigorous selection process supervised by a Panel of Judges under the Chairmanship of Dr.  Christopher Kolade, CON. The categories and number of awards were as follows –

Category                                                      Number

• Basic Compliance Category                        –      1
• Above Basic Compliance Category              –      2
• Extensive Compliance Category                  –      3
• More Extensive Compliance Category         –      2
• Most Extensive Compliance Category         –      1

1.REVIEW OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 (CAMA)

Since coming into force in 1990, the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) has not witnessed any major amendment.

The passage of time and development in both the Nigerian and global economies have made some of the provisions of the Act impracticable and inadequate to meet current challenges in companies’ administration and regulation.

Accordingly, the Commission is reviewing the provisions of the Act (CAMA) with a view to securing its amendment.

The main objective of the review is to strengthen the regulatory and enforcement capacities of the Commission to effectively discharge its functions and thus promote global best practices and good corporate governance in the management and operations of companies, business names and incorporated trustees.

Thank you all.

BELLO MAHMUD

REGISTRAR-GENERAL

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is collaborating with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to ensure the integration of e-stamping module into the Commission’s company registration portal (CRP).  The aim is to create a seamless registration process and further reduce time and cost of registration of companies and other post incorporation processes in the country.

Disclosing this at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Abuja, the Registrar-General Bello Mahmud said that the effort is part of major reforms in the Commission’s operations, making it possible for customers to pay for stamp duties and stamp their company registration documents electronically on the CAC Company Registration Portal (CRP).

Mr. Bello Mahmud said that customers can stamp their documents on the CRP after completing their forms without manually taking them to the stamp duties office of the Federal Inland Revenue service.

He explained that the Company Registration Portal when fully developed will serve as a one-stop company’s registration software capable  of handling the stamping of incorporation documents, some post incorporation filings and other matters without users stepping out of their homes or offices.

“The CRP has also eliminated the restrictions of time of the day and day of the week to transact business with the Commission,” he said, adding that customers can submit their registration applications at anytime including weekends and public holidays

The Registrar-General said that the CAC is putting in place measures to create log-in details for each company that is registered by it.  The log-in details he said will ensure that only authorized persons have access to the company’s profile to enable the operators make changes in the portal.   Such changes Bello Mahmud said would include change of directors, appointment of secretaries, and increase in share capital The objective he said is to prevent corporate hijack and to ensure that only the rightful people make changes to the company’s records.

The Registrar-General who had a cursory look at the Commission said that from its creation in 1990 to 2004, the Commission’s activities were manually done, while the post 2004 era witnessed automation of its services through the CAC online but with some limitation in user ability.

He said that the third phase which involved the deployment of a new software, the companies registration portal (CRP) has eliminated all the limitations and has commenced full online services for name reservation, registration of companies, Business Names and Incorporated Trustees “As we are seated here, you can log on to the portal , complete name reservation request form and make payment without you having to step out of this room, he said “

The Registrar-General spoke exhaustively on the publication of the companies regulation 2012 which he said will avoid taking customers by surprise and enable them know the requirements for filing of all incorporation processes or application

Churchill Williams

Director (Public Affairs)

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Corporate Affairs Commission intends to undertake the procurement of goods on Lots listed below.
Interested contracting firms are hereby invited to tender for the following items;
2.0 TENDER REQUIREMENTS
In order to be considered, interested contractors/suppliers shall submit the following:
a. Evidence of registration with Corporate Affairs Commission.
b. Company’s Profile.
c. Evidence of filling of up to date Annual Returns with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
d. Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) years.
e. VAT registration certificate.
f. Companies audited account for the last three (3) years.
g. Evidence of similar job carried out.
h. Evidence of financial capability or bank support.
i. Compliance Certificate with pension contribution.
j. Compliance Certificate with Section 6 of ITF Act.
k. Evidence of registration with Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP).
Note: All official letter head and other documents of the company must be in compliance with
Section 278 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.
3.0 Bid Documents containing full specification on each LOT can be obtained from the office of Director,
Procurement located on the 5th floor of the main office building of Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama,
Abuja, upon payment of a non-refundable sum of Ten Thousand Naira Only (N10,000.00).
4.0 SUBMISSION OF BIDS
Bids are to be sealed with wax in an envelope indicating the LOT number and should be submitted not later
than 2.00pm (Nigerian Time) on Tuesday, 1st December, 2015 to the following address:

5.0 CLOSING DATE
Submission of bids shall close at 2.00pm (Nigerian Time) on Tuesday, 1st December, 2015 to be
immediately followed by the bid opening on the same day. All interested members of the public, civil
societies and representatives of interested firms are hereby invited to witness the opening at the
Commission’s Multi-Purpose Hall, 2nd Floor, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama
Abuja at 2.00pm on Tuesday, 1st December, 2015.
6.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Tenderers should note that:
a. The Corporate Affairs Commission reserves the right to inspect or verify claims/information
submitted as it deems necessary.
b. The Corporate Affairs Commission reserves the right to annul the bidding process when unforeseen
development warrants such action, without incurring any liability and assigning any reason thereof.
SIGNED
MANAGEMENT
The Registrar General,
Corporate Affairs Commission,
Plot 420 Tigris Crescent,
Maitama, Abuja.

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Corporate Affairs Commission was established by the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA)
of 1990, to regulate and supervise the formation, incorporation, registration, management and winding
of companies in Nigeria.
The Corporate Affairs Commission intends to undertake the procurement of works. Interested
contracting firms are herby invited for pre-qualification for the Construction of Multi-Level Car Park
(Phase II).
2.0 PRE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to be considered for pre-qualification, interested and competent contractors/suppliers shall
submit the following:
a. Evidence of registration with Corporate Affairs Commission.
b. Company’s Profile.
c. Evidence of filling of up to date Annual Returns with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
d. Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) years.
e. VAT registration certificate.
f. Companies audited account for the last three (3) years.
g. Evidence of similar job carried out.
h. Evidence of financial capability or bank support.
i. Compliance Certificate with pension contribution.
j. Compliance Certificate with Section 6 of ITF Act.
k. Evidence of registration with Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP).
Note: All official letter head and other documents of the company must be in compliance with
Section 278 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.
3.0 SUBMISSION OF PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS
The completed pre-qualification documents are to be sealed with wax in an envelope indicating the
LOT number and addressed to:
The Registrar General,
Corporate Affairs Commission,
Plot 420, Tigris Crescent,
Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street,
Maitama, Abuja.
The completed pre-qualification documents should be submitted to the office of the Registrar
General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja on or before 12noon of Tuesday, 1st December, 2015.
4.0 CLOSING DATE
Submission of pre-qualification documents closes at 12noon on Tuesday, 1st December, 2015 and
will be publicly opened immediately. All interested members of the public, civil societies and
representatives of interested companies are hereby invited to witness the opening at the Corporate
Affairs Commission, Multipurpose Hall, 2nd Floor, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street,
Maitama, Abuja at 12noon on Tuesday, 1st December, 2015.
5.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
a. This is not an invitation to tender, full tendering procedure shall be applied only to bidders that
have been pre-qualified and found capable of supply of goods.
b. Tenderers should note that only pre-qualified companies would be invited to submit financial bids.
The management of Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja reserves the right to reject any or all
the submissions that do not meet up with the requirements as specified above.
c. The advertisement for the submission of the pre-qualification shall neither be construed to be
commitment on the part of the Commission, nor shall it entitle any company to make any claim
whatsoever and/or seek any indemnity from the Commission by virtue of any response to the said
advertisement.
SIGNED
MANAGEMENT

The General Public is hereby notified that a list of 38,717 Names of Dormant Companies scheduled to be delisted in line with the provision of Section 525 of Companies and Allied Matters Act CAP C20 LFN 2004 for failing to file Annual Returns as and when due is available on the Commission’s website www.cac.gov.ng and all State offices for inspection.

All affected companies are advised to take steps to have their names removed from the list by filing the requisite annual returns and other statutory updates such as notice of appointment of Secretary, current directors and current registered office address on or before 31st December, 2015.

The remedial measure outlined above will be foreclosed when the list is gazetted.

Also, all other companies who have not filed their annual returns up to date are enjoined to do so to avoid the risk of having their names struck – off from the Register of Companies.

Download the List here

Signed

Management

Notice is hereby given that henceforth the Commission will not process any application accompanied with E-ticket receipt instead of original stamp duty receipt except with the express approval of the Registrar General.

In the same vein, any application accompanied with original stamp duty receipt bearing a name different from the name in the document presented for verification will also be rejected.

Customers are advised to comply to avoid unnecessary delay in the processing of their applications.

Please be guided

The attention of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has been drawn to a cover page story in the Daily Sun Newspaper of Monday April 25, 2016 with the above caption.

The CAC wishes to assure all its key stakeholders and the general public that contrary to the above captioned report none of the companies’ files in its custody in which any politician has interest is missing.

It is also not true that the CAC had resorted to manual registration since 2014. As a matter of fact the Commission’s new Company Registration Portal was deployed on 2nd October, 2014 and has been operating smoothly since then.

The CAC has put adequate measures in place to safeguard the records of the over three million (3,000,000) Companies, Business Names and Incorporated Trustees in its custody with some dating back to 1912 in both hard and electronic formats.

In addition, the CAC has given electronic access to its database to all the Security Agencies, Embassies and some Government organizations which enable them to confirm the registration status, composition and ownership of every registered Company, Business Name and Incorporated Trustee.

Some of these services have been recently extended to members of the public with the introduction of a public search window in the CAC’s website that allows members of the public to confirm the name, registration number and date of registration of every Company, Business Name and Incorporated Trustee at no cost.

The reaction by the spokesman of the EFCC should have made the reporter to exercise caution and restraint until he clarifies the true position of things from the CAC. Alas the matter was taken to press without such confirmation even when it is evident that all the issues in the report were totally false. For the avoidance of doubt no Director of the CAC was recently quizzed by the EFCC or any other Security Agency over a case of missing file.

The CAC will remain resolute in the discharge of its mandate and will not be distracted by mischief makers, saboteurs and other persons that do not wish the Country well.

MANAGEMENT