The Corporate Affairs Commissionn (CAC) has commenced moves to strike off 100,000 companies from its register over failure to file outstanding annual returns and other statutory documents. The exercise, tagged Batch 6, was announced in a public notice signed by the Commission’s management on Wednesday.
According to the notice, the action is being carried out pursuant to Section 692 (3) and (4) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020. CAC said the list of affected companies can be accessed on its website at http://cac.gov.ng. The Commission described the measure as part of efforts to maintain an up-to-date register and ensure compliance.
CAC urged the affected companies to regularise their records within 90 days of the notice. “The affected companies are hereby advised to take steps to file all outstanding Annual Returns (and by extension Persons with Significant Control/Beneficial Ownership information) and regularize their records within ninety (90) days of this notice,” the Commission stated.
Companies were directed to file their outstanding returns and forward evidence of compliance to a designated email address: struckoffcompanies@cac.gov.ng. The Commission stressed that this window is the only opportunity for defaulting companies to remain on the register.
CAC warned that firms that fail to comply within the stipulated timeline will be struck off without further notice. “Please note that companies that fail to comply within the stipulated timeline shall be struck off the Register without further notice,” the notice read.
The mass clean-up targets dormant and non-compliant businesses that have not updated their records for years. By removing them, CAC aims to improve the integrity of Nigeria’s company data, boost transparency around beneficial ownership, and make it easier for investors and regulators to verify active businesses.
Despite the enforcement drive, CAC said it remains committed to serving customers efficiently. “The Commission remains committed to providing prompt and efficient services to the satisfaction of our valued customers,” it added. Business owners have been advised to check the published list immediately and take steps to avoid losing their company status.
