Residents' Association CAC Registration Pack

[Association's name]: CAC Registration Pack

Everything [Association's name] needs to register its trustees with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) under Part F of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, so the association becomes "Incorporated Trustees of [Association's name]": a body that can hold an account and property, sign agreements, and sue or be sued in its own name.

1. Part 1: The steps
1.1 Agree to register. Hold a general meeting that approves registration, adopts the constitution in Part 2 and appoints at least two trustees. Record it using the minutes in Part 3. CAMA allows two or more trustees appointed by an association to apply if the association authorises it (section 823).
1.2 Check the name. The name must contain the words "Incorporated Trustees of" (section 825(1)(a)). Search and reserve it on the CAC portal, icrp.cac.gov.ng. Have one or two alternatives ready.
1.3 Prepare the documents: two printed copies of the signed constitution; signed minutes of the meeting that appointed the trustees and authorised the application, showing who attended and how they voted; the impression or drawing of the common seal, if you will have one (section 825(2)); each trustee's declaration (Part 4), passport photograph and valid ID; and the details of the secretary, if any.
1.4 File on the portal. Complete the incorporated trustees application on icrp.cac.gov.ng, upload the documents and pay the fees the portal shows. CAC may ask for more evidence before it accepts the application (section 825(4)).
1.5 Publication and objections. Once CAC is satisfied, the application is published in two daily newspapers circulating where the association is, at least one of them national. Anyone may object within 28 days of the last publication, giving reasons (section 828). Follow CAC's instructions at this stage, including any publication cost it asks you to cover.
1.6 Registration. If there is no objection, or objections are rejected, CAC may register the trustees and issue a certificate (section 829). From then on the trustees are a body corporate with perpetual succession and the power to sue and be sued, and the association's property vests in it (section 830).
1.7 Open the bank account. Take the certificate and registration documents to your bank to open an account in the association's name, with at least two signatories required for any payment.

2. Part 2: Model constitution
2.1 Name. The association is called [Association's name]. When registered, its trustees will be known as Incorporated Trustees of [Association's name].
2.2 Address. [Estate name], [address of the estate].
2.3 Aims and objects. To promote the security, welfare, cleanliness and good order of [Estate name]; to provide and maintain shared services and common facilities; to represent residents and owners in dealings with government, utilities and developers; and to promote good relations among residents. These aims are social and development purposes, and the association does not exist to make a profit for its members.
2.4 Membership. Every owner of a property in the estate may be a member, and every adult resident may be an associate member. Membership is voluntary and starts on registration with the secretary. A member may resign by written notice. Members must follow this constitution and the by-laws.