CAC Commences Deregistration of 100,000 Companies Over Unfiled Annual Returns

Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)

CAC Commences Deregistration of 100,000 Companies Over Unfiled Annual Returns

The Corporate Affairs Commission has commenced the process of deregistering 100,000 companies for failing to file annual returns and other statutory documents, marking the sixth batch of its ongoing corporate clean-up exercise . The commission announced the development in a public notice issued on July 15, 2026, warning affected companies that they have 90 days to regularise their records or risk being permanently removed from Nigeria’s corporate register .

The latest enforcement action, tagged Batch 6, is being carried out under Sections 692(3) and (4) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, which empowers the commission to strike off companies that are no longer carrying on business or have failed to meet regulatory requirements . The exercise forms part of the CAC’s broader drive to sanitise Nigeria’s corporate register, eliminate dormant entities, and strengthen business transparency across the country .

The commission posted the notice on its official X handle and website, stating: “This is to notify the General Public and Esteemed Customers that the Corporate Affairs Commission has commenced another round of striking off names of companies from the Register pursuant to the provisions of Section 692 (3) and (4) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020″ . The list of the affected 100,000 companies has been published on the commission’s official website, cac.gov.ng, for public access and verification .

The commission has directed all affected companies to file all outstanding annual returns and update their Persons with Significant Control, also known as beneficial ownership information, to regularise their records . The requirement to disclose PSC forms part of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen corporate transparency, combat money laundering, and align its corporate governance framework with global beneficial ownership disclosure standards .

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Affected companies are required to submit evidence of compliance to the designated email address, struckoffcompanies@cac.gov.ng, within the 90-day grace period . The commission warned that companies that fail to comply within the stipulated timeline shall be struck off the register without any further notice . The notice reaffirmed: “The Commission remains committed to providing prompt and efficient services to the satisfaction of our valued customers” .

Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, every registered company is required to file annual returns with the CAC to confirm that it remains operational and compliant with regulatory requirements . For companies, annual returns must be filed within 42 days after each anniversary of incorporation, while registered business names are required to file their returns annually before June 30 . Failure to comply attracts statutory penalties, outstanding filing fees and, ultimately, the risk of being struck off the commission’s register .

The latest exercise follows similar enforcement actions undertaken by the commission in recent years . In February 2025, the CAC announced that it had struck off more than 400,000 companies from Nigeria’s corporate register due to inactivity and non-compliance with regulatory requirements . At the time, the commission said the move was aimed at sanitising the database, improving transparency, and preserving the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s official register of companies . The commission also announced plans to remove another batch of about 100,000 companies over prolonged inactivity and failure to comply with statutory filing obligations .

The CAC noted that the exercise forms part of its statutory responsibility to maintain an accurate and up-to-date companies register while promoting regulatory compliance among registered businesses in Nigeria . The commission reiterated its commitment to providing prompt and efficient registration and regulatory services, assuring customers of continued efforts to strengthen corporate governance and ensure the integrity of the nation’s corporate database .

When a company is deregistered, the CAC removes it from its official registry, effectively rendering it non-existent in law . Companies that are struck off lose their legal status and can no longer operate as incorporated entities in Nigeria . However, restoration is possible within two years of deregistration under Section 692 of CAMA 2020, which provides that an application for restoration can be made within that period . The restoration process typically requires a court order, payment of outstanding penalties and fees, and submission of updated annual returns and other compliance documents to the CAC .

Business owners and directors have been advised to verify whether their companies are listed among the affected entities and take immediate steps to meet the regulatory requirements before the deadline expires . The 90-day window provides affected businesses with a final opportunity to update their records before formal deregistration proceedings are concluded .