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HOW TO SET UP NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

…All You Need to Know About NGO Registration in Nigeria.

Do you have a passion to make the world a better place? Do you want to leave a footprint even when you have gone or are no longer alive? Do you love to care about humanity, fight for a just cause, champion social justice, help the less privileged, address a societal issue you feel needs attention, a religious body, honour the memory of a loved one, or help preserve the environment, whatever the case may be? Do it right, follow the laid down procedures in compliance with extant laws as stated in section 823 sub-section (1) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2022, as amended.

For better insight, let’s know what is Companies and Allied Matters Act of 2020 is. An Act to repeal the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap. C20, laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and enact the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 to provide for the incorporation of companies, limited liability Partnerships, limited partnerships, registration of business names together with the incorporation of trustees of certain communities, bodies, associations and for related matters [7th Day of August 2020] ENACTED by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Section 823(1) states that, where two or more trustees are appointed by any community of persons bound together by custom, religion, kingship or nationality or by anybody or association of persons established for any religious, educational, literary, scientific, social, developmental, cultural, sporting or charitable purpose, they may, if so authorized by the community, body or association (in this Act referred to as “the association”) apply to the commission in the manner provided for registration under this act as a corporate body.

Who then are the trustees as referenced above? Trustees are persons or groups of persons who are the founders, initiators, promoters, or sponsors of the association or NGO. They are the brainbox of the organization when it comes to the formulation of policies, funding, administration, coordination, and management of affairs. Though they may have representatives, staff, directors, partners, and others who work to achieve their set goals or objectives.

Sub-section (2) stipulates that, upon being so registered by the commission, the trustees shall become a corporate body in accordance with the provisions of section 830 of Part F, which is Incorporated Trustees. Incorporated Trustees is another form of company structure where the essence of the entity is not for profit nor is it a business, but rather an entity that is formed by a group of persons based on culture, belief, religion, a charitable cause, scientific matter, literacy, social, etc.

Furthermore, incorporated trustees include church, mosque, social clubs, charity organizations, scientific fairs, open research & development, non-profit organizations, social development company, NGO-MFI (Non-Governmental Organization Microfinance Institutions).

Now you know areas you can help make the world a better place. How do you begin? Yes, you have seen the societal need that you feel needs your attention. What should you do next? Before you kick off that project or begin to build those community projects you have conceived, formalize the necessary documents by following the law.

You can imagine doing projects and so many other things without registration with the Federal Government through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Then you feel you are ready for registration, only to find out the name of your NGO has been taken by another group of persons.

Please note, some NGO cannot be registered with CAC. Why?

-          Any NGO that suggests a political group

-          Any NGO with objectives that are against the law of the land, like militancy, succession, etc.

-          Any NGO with objectives that incite.

What do you need to start the registration of your NGO?

-          Details of the NGO: Two proposed names, the trustees, and the secretary of the NGO.

-          Details of the trustees- Names, addresses, emails, Valid ID cards (any of these four National ID card, Driver’s license, Voter’s card & Int’l Passport), one passport photograph, signature.

-          Information stating what the NGO is all about: aims and objectives of the NGO.

How long does it take to be registered?

About 5-6 weeks

Why does it take so long?

Because 28 days of publication must be done before you can proceed with proper registration. Please note, the minimum number of trustees required by law is two (2), unlike company registration, where one (1) person can be the director or proprietor.

What document(s) do I get after registration?

-          Certificate of Incorporation

-          Incorporated Trustees’ Constitution

-          Status Report

-          Two soft copies of national dailies where the trustees’ details were published

Why must I register my NGO?

Do you know that most people find it uncomfortable donating to a personal account? This may be the reason your NGO has not received funding. People donate to a corporate account to avoid stories.

Hope this is helpful?

What should you do to get started?

Call us now to walk you through @highpoint_hub

Whatsapp 07035254913