Setting up a company in Nigeria offers major opportunities, especially for investors targeting West Africa’s fast-growing markets. But for many foreign entrepreneurs, navigating local compliance rules, director requirements, and governance structures can be challenging. This is where nominee director services in Nigeria become invaluable.

A nominee director allows businesses—especially foreign-owned entities—to meet statutory obligations without giving up operational control. When used correctly and transparently, nominee services help companies launch faster, maintain privacy, and remain compliant with Nigerian laws.

Below, we explore how nominee director services work, who needs them, and how Wigmore Trading supports international companies entering the Nigerian market.

What Are Nominee Director Services?

A nominee director is an individual appointed to represent a company in an official capacity—primarily for regulatory compliance. In Nigeria, companies must have at least one director, and foreign-owned businesses often require a trusted local representative to meet Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) requirements.

However, a nominee does not participate in the day-to-day running of the business. Their role is limited, agreed upon, and legally documented.

Nominee director services in Nigeria typically cover:

• Acting as a local director for CAC incorporation

• Providing a Nigerian resident representative

• Ensuring confidentiality for beneficial owners

• Maintaining statutory compliance

• Supporting foreign investors who are not resident in Nigeria

This structure is widely used in global business hubs—and Nigeria is no exception.

Why Businesses Use Nominee Director Services in Nigeria

1. To Meet Nigerian Incorporation Requirements

Foreign-owned companies must appoint at least one director. If the ultimate beneficial owners are not resident in Nigeria, a nominee director helps satisfy CAC regulations without delaying registration.

2. To Protect Privacy

Some investors prefer not to list their personal details publicly on corporate documents. A nominee director provides an added layer of confidentiality while maintaining lawful transparency through private agreements.

3. To Improve Ease of Doing Business

Having a locally present director simplifies:

• Regulatory filings

• Opening bank accounts

• Signing statutory documents

• Submitting import and export paperwork

This can significantly reduce administrative delays.

4. To Maintain Control While Staying Compliant

Nominee agreements clearly state that the beneficial owner retains full decision-making power. The nominee acts only as a legal representative—not a manager or shareholder.

5. To Support Importers, Exporters, and International Traders

Many global suppliers entering the Nigerian market—especially in FMCG, food distribution, manufacturing inputs, and wholesale goods—use nominee director services to:

• Register quickly

• Start trading immediately

• Maintain reliable compliance as operations grow

Wigmore Trading regularly supports businesses in these sectors.

How Wigmore Trading Supports Companies Using Nominee Director Services

Wigmore Trading has spent years helping international firms navigate the Nigerian business environment. For new market entrants, having a trusted local partner is critical—and that includes nominee services.

Our nominee director support includes:

1. Secure, Legally Compliant Representation

We connect businesses with vetted professionals who understand Nigerian regulatory requirements and operate with discretion and integrity.

2. Clear Agreements Protecting Your Control

All roles and responsibilities are documented, ensuring you remain the beneficial owner with full operational authority.

3. End-to-End Company Formation Support

Wigmore Trading assists with:

• Company registration with the CAC

• Regulatory documentation

• Tax and compliance guidance

• Opening corporate bank accounts

• Setting up import/export licenses where required

This helps foreign businesses start operations smoothly.

4. Market Entry & Operational Support

Beyond nominee services, Wigmore Trading offers:

• Product sourcing

• Wholesale distribution support

• Import and logistics handling

• Warehouse and fulfilment solutions across Nigeria and West Africa

We don’t just help you register—we help you operate successfully.

5. Confidential and Professional Service

Our team handles all requests with confidentiality, ensuring your business structure remains secure and compliant.

If you’re expanding into Nigeria and require reliable nominee director services, Wigmore Trading can help.

Who Typically Uses Nominee Director Services in Nigeria?

• Foreign-owned SMEs establishing local subsidiaries

• Multinationals entering the West African market

• Import/export companies needing fast incorporation

• Technology and fintech startups without local partners

• Manufacturing and procurement companies

• Investors needing privacy and local representation

If your business is entering Nigeria for trade, distribution, sourcing, or logistics, a nominee director can be the fastest way to launch legally.

Choosing the Right Nominee Director Partner

A nominee director must be:

• Trustworthy

• Legally knowledgeable

• Experienced in Nigerian compliance

• Transparent

• Supported by a reputable firm

Wigmore Trading ensures all these criteria are met.

Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your company setup in Nigeria. Our team is ready to help you launch confidently and compliantly.