Guidelines for registering a foundation/NGO in Nigeria

Are you thinking of starting a non-governmental organization or foundation and have been wondering how to go about it? Recently, a friend worked for the corporate affair commission to make an inquiry on the procedure to open a foundation.

They presented him with the four steps to follow in other to start an NGO.

4 reasons why people start a foundation/NGO

People open foundation for many reasons. But in my opinion, there are about five reasons why people start a foundation or NGO.

 An NGO is setup to embark on awareness or sensitization targeting specific groups of people of the society. This sensitization can be on health, youth development, skill acquisition and so on.

 An NGO can sponsor a campaign that can better the lives of the people.

 An NGO can give people free things that can improve people’s lives. For instance, an NGO can sponsor a medical team to offer free medical treatment or services in the communities.

 An NGO is another way of reducing unemployment. Most NGO has full time working for staffs and the staff strength continues to increase as the NGO grows.

See also: How to start and register an NGO in Nigeria (The complete step by step guide)

The guidelines for starting an NGO

The following are the guidelines for registering a Non-Governmental Organization in Nigeria.

1. Availability/name reservation

Here you’re to present the corporate affairs commission with the intended name of the organization. The commission will do a name search to check its availability, when available, then they’ll reserve the name for you. Note the reservation has its time limit where it’s expected you register the name.

2. Procurement of applicant form which contains a memorandum for guidance of application

3. Publication of notices in two national dailies, one being a local newspaper widely circulated in the area where the organization is based. Where there is no local newspaper, publication shall be in two national dailies.

4. Submission of the duly completed application form which should be completed by the following:

a. A formal letter of application/forwarding letter

b. The original newspaper publications

c. 2 copies of applicants constitution

d. Minutes of the meeting whereat the trustees were appointed, having the list of members present and absent and showing the voting patterns, signed by the chairman and secretary of the board.

e. Minutes of the meeting where the special clause rules were adopted into the constitution of the organization; signed by the secretary and chairman.

f. Trustees (applicants) have to attach 2 passport sized photographs of themselves.

g. Trustees have to sign against their names on the application form (ENCL. D) and furnish permanent residential addresses.

h. The impression of the common seal should be affixed on the page of the form.

i. Draft of N37, 000 in favour of corporate affairs commission.

j. Two photocopies of the application form

k. Application form duly signed by the secretary and chairman of the board.

l. Duly completed trustees declaration form sworn to the high court submitted with receipt of payment.

m. Recognized means of identification (driver’s license, international passport or national ID card