Registration of Churches and Non-Governmental Organization

There has been an argument as to whether or not churches should be registered in Nigeria and whether they should be taxed
Although, churches are not NGO’s [A Non-Governmental Organization or voluntary group which is organized at a local, national and/or international level for a particular purpose. NGO’s are set up for various reasons or interests which are best known to owners of these groups], or a commercial entity, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) regards it as an entity which needs to be registered nevertheless. The registration of churches is carried out under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act.
Churches are very important institutions in Nigerian society in that they guide our people to live and behave right, this way we have a better society. To register a church in Nigeria is important because there is a provision in the constitution that says all churches must be registered. All ministers therefore, must endeavor to register their churches no matter how little they are.
The question then is; how do I register my church in Nigeria? This article will give a step by step breakdown of the process.
Step 1: Choose the right name
Just like every normal business in Nigeria, choosing a right church name is vital to the focus of the church. Conduct a search on the name to find out if it is available and reserve if it is. Churchplus endorses having at least 2 names, one as an alternative name in case the primary name is unavailable.
Churches do not do the same thing. Some churches are fully into deliverance and healing – and should bear a similar name, evangelism, others are into prophecy– must allow their focus reflect in their name.
Also, some churches lay emphasis on monetary advancement and success – their focus should be reflected in their name as people seem to worship in churches to meet their spiritual, psychological and financial aspirations.
So, good work should be made in this facet to give a name that mirrors the key focus of the church to attract the right worshippers.

Step 2: Visit the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) or Have Churchplus Do It for You
The CAC has a legal backing to register a church in Nigeria. After choosing the right name that reflects the mission and vision of the church, visit CAC for approval. They will check if the desired name is available, if not you will be given other suggestions and all the materials required to register your church.
Step 3: Visit any 3 national dailies and publish notices
After approval, it is necessary to advertise in any three (3) national dailies and one of the dailies must be a local newspaper of where the church will be based.
This is an important condition attached to opening a church in Nigeria by CAC. Though the commission always prefer to work with chartered accountants, lawyers and chartered secretaries as middleman between pastors and CAC, they often give trustees preferential treatment by often allowing them deal directly with the officials of the commission.
Step 4: Other CAC requirements
The next step is to complete and submit the application form. The application form is understandable and requests for information like.
• The approved name of the church.
• 2 copies of my church’s constitution, original newspaper publication,
• the registered address of the church
• 2 formal letter of application signed by secretary and chairman of the board, minutes of the meeting of the church signed by secretary and chairman of the board,
• a brief description of the aims and objectives of the church
• 2 passport photographs,
• minutes of the meeting of the church where trustees are adopted and signed by secretary and chairman of the board [the minutes of the meeting where the trustees were appointed ] trustees have to sign against their names and full residential addresses, occupation and finally,
• 2 passport photographs of the trustees.
All the documentation is then reviewed by the CAC, and if there are no queries, the church is registered with the CAC and can then commence operation.

Step 5: Payments
It is noteworthy that this registration is not done free of charge. Churches are expected to raise a bank draft of N20, 000 only and pay it in favor of CAC in any church in Abuja.
Note that other charges may be involved and will become even higher if the church wishes to go through churchplus. Churchplus will make the registration process seamless, faster and easier, you also need not worry about getting a lawyer, a chartered accountant or a chartered secretary. Churchplus provides will provide all that you need.
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Off Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere, Lagos.