Wrong Details On Cac Certificate — How To Correct It For Cac Registration

Correcting Wrong Details on Your CAC Certificate: A Complete Guide

You have spent weeks, maybe even months, dreaming about your business. You finally completed your CAC registration, paid the fees, and waited for that magic email. Then, the certificate arrives. You download it, heart racing with excitement, only to find out that your name is spelled "Abiola" instead of "Abioye," or your business address in Lagos has been moved to a non-existent street in Abuja due to a typo.

That sinking feeling in your stomach is real. You might be worried that you have to start the whole process from scratch or that you have wasted your hard-earned money. Take a deep breath. In the world of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria, mistakes happen—sometimes from your end, and sometimes from the commission’s end. The good news is that these errors can be fixed through a process called "Post-Incorporation filing."

Whether it is a minor typographical error or a major mistake in the share capital structure, this guide will walk you through exactly how to correct wrong details on your CAC certificate without losing your mind.

What is CAC Correction of Details?

Correction of details is a post-incorporation procedure where a registered entity (Business Name, Company, or Incorporated Trustee) applies to the CAC to rectify errors found on their registration documents or certificates. This is different from a "Change of Name" or "Change of Address" where you intentionally want to move. Here, we are talking about fixing mistakes that shouldn't have been there in the first place.

There are two main types of errors:

1. Clerical Errors by CAC: This is when you filled the form correctly on the portal, but the officer at CAC made a mistake while processing your certificate.
2. User-End Errors: This is when you (or your agent) made a mistake during the [CAC registration rejected — what to do next for cac registration](/cac-registration-rejected-—-what-to-do-next-8550) phase, and the certificate was issued based on that wrong information.

Regardless of who is at fault, the process of fixing it requires following specific legal steps and, in most cases, paying a fee to the Federal Government via Remita.

Requirements for Correcting CAC Details

To correct errors on your certificate, you cannot just send a DM to the CAC Twitter handle and expect it to be fixed. You need to provide formal documentation. Depending on the type of error, you will generally need:

• A Formal Application Letter: Written on the company’s letterhead (if available) or signed by the proprietor/directors, explaining the error and the desired correction.
• The Original Certificate: You may be required to upload the digital copy of the erroneous certificate.
• Sworn Affidavit: For typographical errors in names or dates, a court-sworn affidavit of correction of names is usually mandatory.
• Valid Means of Identification: NIN, Voter's Card, or International Passport of the directors/proprietors.
• Evidence of Payment: Remita receipt for the correction fee.
• CTC of Previous Documents: If you are correcting something that was already filed, you might need the Certified True Copy of the original (wrong) document.

Step-by-Step Process to Correct Wrong Details

The CAC has moved almost all its processes online. You no longer need to travel to Abuja or wait in long queues at the Alausa office in Lagos. You will use the CAC Post-Incorporation Portal.

Step 1: Identify the Error Category

Before you start, determine if the error is on a Business Name, a Limited Liability Company, or an NGO. The fees and forms differ. Also, check if it was your fault. If it was a system error by CAC, you might be able to get it fixed by using the "Enquiry/Complaints" tool on the portal for free, but this is rare once the certificate is already issued.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Get your affidavit from a High Court. Make sure it clearly states: "In my CAC registration, the name was mistakenly written as [Wrong Name] instead of [Correct Name]." Scan these documents into PDF format, ensuring they are clear and under 5MB.

Step 3: Log in to the Post-Incorporation Portal

Go to the [CAC Post-Incorporation website](https://post.cac.gov.ng). You will need to log in with the same credentials used for the initial registration or hire an accredited agent (Lawyer, Accountant, or Chartered Secretary) to do it for you.

Step 4: Search for the Entity

You will need to enter your RC Number or Business Name Number (BN) to pull up the records of your business.

Step 5: Select "Correction of Particulars"

Navigate to the list of services and select "Correction of Particulars" or "Alteration of Memorandum" depending on the complexity. Fill in the correct details in the provided fields.

Step 6: Payment via Remita

Once you fill the form, the system will generate a Remita RRR. You can pay via your banking app, USSD, or at any Nigerian bank branch. Keep your receipt safe!

Step 7: Upload and Submit

Upload your application letter, affidavit, and the payment receipt. Submit the application and wait for the status to change from "Pending" to "Approved."

Cost Breakdown for CAC Corrections

Correcting mistakes isn't free (unless it's a very rare CAC-acknowledged system glitch). Below is a breakdown of what you should expect to spend. Note that these are estimates and may vary slightly based on specific filing requirements.

Service Component	Government Fee (Approx.)	Our Professional Fee
:---	:---	:---
Correction of Business Name Details	₦5,000	₦15,000
Correction of Company Details (LTD)	₦10,000	₦25,000
Correction of Incorporated Trustees	₦10,000	₦30,000
Penalty for Late Filing (if applicable)	₦5,000 - ₦10,000	N/A
Sworn Affidavit (Court Fee)	₦1,000 - ₦2,000	N/A

It is always cheaper to get it right the first time. To avoid these extra costs, you should learn about [mistakes that will get your cac rejected instantly for cac registration](/mistakes-that-will-get-your-cac-rejected-instantly-9624) before you even start your application.

Comparison: Correction vs. Change of Details

Many Nigerians get confused between "correcting" a mistake and "changing" information. Here is the difference:

Feature	Correction of Details	Change of Particulars
:---	:---	:---
Reason	Typo or error during registration.	Intentional update (e.g., moving office).
Documentation	Requires an Affidavit of Error.	Requires Minutes of Meeting/Resolution.
Timeline	Should be done immediately.	Can be done anytime the change occurs.
Complexity	High (must prove it was an error).	Moderate (standard procedure).

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Correction

Even while trying to fix a mistake, many people fall into new traps. Here are things you must avoid:

1. Using Unclear Scans: If the CAC officer cannot read your affidavit or ID card, they will query the application. This leads to more delays.
2. Mismatched Information: Ensure the correction you are asking for matches exactly what is on your NIN or supporting documents.
3. Wrong Portal: Don't try to use the pre-incorporation portal (the one for new registrations) to fix an existing certificate. You must use the post-incorporation portal.
4. Ignoring Queries: If your application is queried, check the reason immediately and fix it. Don't just re-submit the same thing hoping for a different result.
5. Delaying the Process: If you find an error, fix it now. Leaving it for years can make it harder, especially if laws or portal structures change. Also, you want to [how to avoid overpaying for cac registration for cac registration](/how-to-avoid-overpaying-for-cac-registration-2501) by avoiding penalty fees that accrue over time.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Correction Process

• The Power of the Affidavit: The High Court affidavit is your strongest weapon. Ensure the wording is precise. Avoid using Oaths from "Charge Offices" or roadside business centers; go to a proper court.
• Check Your Dashboard Regularly: CAC notifications can be finicky. Log in every 48 hours to check the status of your application.

Use a Professional: While you can* do it yourself, post-incorporation is significantly more technical than the initial registration. A small mistake here can lead to your business status being "Inactive" or "Flagged."

• Verify NIN First: Most CAC errors nowadays stem from NIN mismatches. Ensure your name on the CAC portal is exactly as it appears on your NIN slip.

FAQ Section

1. How long does it take to correct CAC details?

Typically, it takes between 5 to 10 working days, depending on the workload of the CAC registry and the clarity of your documents.

2. Can I change my business name entirely through correction?

No. A complete name change is a "Change of Name" filing, which is more expensive and requires a new name availability search and newspaper publication. Correction is only for typos (e.g., changing "Glow Tech" to "Glo Tech").

3. Will I get a new certificate after the correction?

Yes. Once the correction is approved, you will be able to download an updated certificate and status report from your dashboard.

4. What if the error was CAC's fault?

If you can prove (via your initial application preview) that you typed the correct info but CAC issued a wrong certificate, you can file a complaint via the portal’s ticket system. If they acknowledge it, they may fix it without a fee.

5. Can I correct the share capital of my company?

Yes, but this is a complex procedure involving a "Return of Allotment" or "Notice of Variation of Shares." It usually requires the services of an accredited professional.

6. Does a wrong address on my certificate affect my bank account opening?

Yes. Most Nigerian banks (GTBank, Zenith, Access, etc.) will reject your corporate account application if the address on your CAC certificate doesn't match your utility bill or physical office location.

Conclusion

Finding an error on your CAC certificate is frustrating, but it is not the end of your business journey. Whether it is a misspelled name or a wrong address, the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission provides a path to fix it through post-incorporation filings. By following the steps outlined above—gathering your affidavit, paying the Remita fee, and using the correct portal—you can get your business documents back in order.

Don't let a typo stop your progress. Take action today to ensure your legal documents are 100% accurate, allowing you to open bank accounts, apply for grants, and sign contracts with confidence. If the process feels too overwhelming, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional to handle the heavy lifting for you.