Annual return filing in Nigeria is a legal requirement for all registered companies—whether active, inactive, trading, or dormant. For businesses operating across import/export, FMCG distribution, logistics, and wholesale supply, staying compliant with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is essential. It protects your business status, prevents penalties, and keeps your operations running smoothly.

Many companies overlook annual returns until faced with fines, blocked documentation, or the need for urgent corporate filings. Understanding the process early—and partnering with a trusted compliance support provider—can save time and money.

What Are Annual Returns in Nigeria?

Annual returns are a yearly statement submitted to the CAC to confirm that a company is still in operation and its corporate information remains accurate.
They do not include financial statements. Instead, they cover:

• Shareholders and directors’ details

• Company address

• Registered office

• Business activity information

• Corporate structure and shareholding

Filing these returns demonstrates that your business is active and compliant under Nigerian law.

Why Annual Return Filing Matters

Failing to file annual returns may lead to:

• Accumulated CAC penalties

• Delays in renewing export/import licences

• Inability to process TIN, SCUML, SONCAP, or NAFDAC documentation

• Restrictions when opening corporate bank accounts

• Possible company delisting over long-term non-compliance

For businesses that rely on cross-border operations, such delays can disrupt supply chains and increase operational costs.

Wigmore Trading can help you stay compliant so you can focus on sourcing, distribution, and trade.

Who Must File Annual Returns in Nigeria?

Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), the following entities must file:

• Limited liability companies (LLCs)

• Public liability companies (PLCs)

• Business names

• Incorporated trustees

Whether your company is fully active or currently dormant, you must still file.

When Should You File?

For newly incorporated companies, annual return filing begins from the second year of registration.

Standard filing periods:

• Companies: Once every year, not later than 42 days after the Annual General Meeting

• Business names: On or before June 30 each year

Missing these dates attracts CAC penalties.

How to File Annual Returns in Nigeria

The process involves the following steps:

1. Check your CAC status
   Ensure your business information is up to date on the CAC portal.

2. Complete the Annual Return form (CAC Form 10)
   Include shareholders, directors, address, and corporate information.

3. Pay the statutory filing fee
   Fees vary for companies, business names, and trustees.

4. Submit documentation through the CAC online portal or via an accredited agent.

5. Track approval to confirm that your filing is successfully recorded.

Wigmore Trading supports businesses—especially importers, exporters, wholesalers, and distributors—by managing all compliance paperwork from start to finish.
This ensures no missed deadlines and no penalties.

Common Challenges Companies Face

Many companies run into issues such as:

• Incorrect director/shareholder information

• Lost or unverified CAC documents

• Inability to access the CAC electronic portal

• Backlog of unpaid penalties

• Urgent projects requiring updated CAC status

If your annual returns are overdue, Wigmore Trading can help resolve backlogs, update your company information, and restore compliance quickly.

Why Work with Wigmore Trading?

As a trusted partner in African trade, Wigmore Trading assists companies by:

• Handling CAC annual returns and other statutory filings

• Updating company records

• Managing compliance issues before they cause operational delays

• Supporting trade-related documentation such as import permits, export licences, SONCAP, and more

This allows your team to focus on supply chain management, sourcing, and distribution while avoiding unnecessary administrative disruptions.

Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your annual return filing and keep your business compliant.