How to Become a CAC Accredited Agent in Nigeria (And What to Do If You Don’t Qualify)

If you have ever considered starting a business registration or corporate compliance service in Nigeria, you have probably come across the term CAC accredited agent. You may also have heard that you need to be a CAC-accredited agent before you can register a business for someone else.

That is to some extent not correct.

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) allows members of the public to create accounts on its iCRP platform and access pre-incorporation services (this allows users to register their own businesses without having to use an agent). Accreditation, however, gives eligible professionals additional access to handle filings for clients, including post-incorporation processes.

So, what exactly is a CAC-accredited agent? Who can become one? How do you apply? And what can you do if you do not belong to one of the professional bodies required for accreditation?

This guide answers those questions and explains the options available to you.

Who is a CAC-accredited agent?

A CAC-accredited agent is a person or institution certified by the Corporate Affairs Commission to process and submit pre-incorporation and post-incorporation filings on behalf of individuals and businesses. Accreditation is not a general business registration license, and it is not something you obtain simply by taking a CAC training course.

The CAC accreditation process is tied to membership of recognized professional bodies.

What does CAC accreditation allow you to do?

This is an important distinction because many people assume that accreditation is required for every type of business registration.

The CAC’s current iCRP allows members of the public to create a Public User Account. CAC states that public users have access to pre-incorporation services.

This means an ordinary public user can use the platform for services such as business name registration and other pre-incorporation processes available to that account type.

Accredited agents, on the otherhand have broader access.

Accredited agents can process and submit pre-incorporation and post-incorporation filings on behalf of individuals and businesses. The new iCRP also allows accredited agents to access post-incorporation services directly from the same account.

So, what is the real value of accreditation?

The major advantage is the ability to provide a wider range of corporate filing services to clients, particularly after a company or other entity has already been registered.

For example, clients may need assistance with changes to their company records, directors, shareholders, registered address, share capital, filing of annual returns, and other post-incorporation matters.

That creates an ongoing business opportunity because companies do not stop needing regulatory services after they receive their certificates.

Who can become a CAC-accredited agent?

This is where the requirements become more specific. The CAC’s accreditation application identifies the following professional bodies:

• Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)
• Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN)
• Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN)

The form requires applicants to provide details of their professional membership and enrollment number. The same professional membership information is required where an application is made through a consulting firm.

In practical terms, if you are not a member of one of these recognized professional bodies, you should not assume that registering a business or completing a CAC training program will make you eligible for accreditation. Professional experience alone does not replace the professional membership requirement stated in the accreditation documentation.

CAC-accredited agent requirements

Before starting your application, you should have the information and documents required by the current iCRP application.

CAC currently asks applicants for personal information

You should also have your professional membership details available, including your enrollment or membership number.

The exact document requirements can change as CAC updates the platform, so it is better to check the application page before preparing your documents rather than relying on an old checklist from another website.

How to become a CAC-accredited agent online

The application is handled through the CAC’s iCRP platform.

Here is the process.

What happens after you become accredited?

Once you are accredited, you can begin providing CAC filing services within the scope permitted through your account.

One important change under the new iCRP is how post-incorporation services are accessed. Previously, pre-incorporation and post-incorporation services were accessed through separate portals. Under the current iCRP system, accredited agents can access post-incorporation services directly through their existing account.

From the dashboard, the agent can select Post Inc. or Post Incorporation, search for the relevant entity, and proceed with the filing.

What if you do not qualify for CAC accreditation?

This is where many people get discouraged unnecessarily.

If you are not a lawyer, chartered accountant, or chartered secretary covered by the recognized professional bodies, accreditation is not currently available to you. But that does not mean you cannot build a legitimate business around CAC registration and business compliance.

Here are your options.

Option 1: Public User Account.

With a Public User Account, you can use this account to register people. The only issue with this option is you will automatically become a proprietor/director in all the companies you register.

Many business owners do not understand the registration process. They may struggle with choosing the right structure, preparing documents, completing forms correctly, or responding to queries. If you understand the process and can guide clients properly, there is a legitimate service business there.

Option 2: Work with an accredited agent

Another option is to build a referral or partnership arrangement with an existing accredited agent. This can work particularly well if you are good at finding clients but do not meet the professional requirements for accreditation.

For example, you may attract a client who wants to:

• Register a company
• Register an incorporated trustee
• Make post-incorporation changes
• File annual returns
• Update company information
• Carry out other corporate compliance work

Instead of pretending to have the required accreditation, you can work with an accredited professional who handles the services that require their involvement. Before entering into such an arrangement, agree on the commercial terms (the professional fees split)

There is another option, but it is a subject on its own; I will cover it in a subsequent article.

Can you make money from CAC registration without accreditation?

Yes, but you need to structure the business properly. The mistake is thinking that the only way to make money in this market is to call yourself a CAC-accredited agent.

You can build your business around registration support, client acquisition, document preparation, business advisory, compliance support, and referrals, provided you operate within the rules that apply to the particular service.

In fact, a person who understands business registration, compliance, and customer service can build a stronger business over time than someone who only knows how to submit forms.