The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has issued a stern public warning to businesses across Nigeria, emphasizing that operating under unregistered names or acronyms constitutes a criminal offence under Nigerian law.

In a public notice published on Tuesday, the Commission cited Section 863 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020, which clearly prohibits individuals and entities from conducting business in Nigeria as a Company, Limited Liability Partnership, Limited Partnership, or Business Name without proper registration. The notice further stressed that using names or acronyms not registered under the Act also amounts to an offence.

The CAC also drew attention to Section 729 of the same Act, which mandates that all registered companies must visibly display their registered name and registration number at every location where they conduct business. This information must also be present on all official publications, including letterheads, marketing materials, and signage.

Highlighting the consequences of non-compliance, the Commission warned that under Section 862(1), any person who knowingly makes false statements in documents required by the Act could face a two-year prison sentence in addition to daily fines against the company for each day the offence continues.

In a decisive tone, the CAC has given all affected businesses a six-week ultimatum to comply fully with these legal requirements or face enforcement actions, including prosecution.

Business owners and the general public are encouraged to visit the Commission’s website at www.cac.gov.ng for more information and to regularize their operations.

The notice, signed by the CAC management and dated April 29, 2025, underscores the Commission’s commitment to sanitizing Nigeria’s business environment and ensuring legal compliance.