Legal, Regulatory & Compliance Services for Businesses
Certovia Limited is a professional legal, regulatory, and compliance services company that supports startups, SMEs, and growing companies to register, structure, and operate legally within Nigeria.
We provide business and company registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), alongside regulatory licensing, compliance advisory, and ongoing legal support. Our services are designed to help businesses move from idea to lawful operation, and from growth to regulatory maturity, with confidence.
We help businesses register right, comply early, and scale safely.
Our Pitch
"Certovia Limited registers businesses and companies with the CAC and supports startups and growing companies with legal structuring, regulatory licensing, and compliance services. We help businesses operate legally, meet regulatory expectations, and scale without compliance risk."
- Authorized to handle CAC registrations
- We execute registrations and filings directly
- End-to-end legal and compliance support
Comprehensive Structuring & Compliance
A. CAC Business Registration
Core service covering Business Names, Private Limited Companies, structuring, post-incorp filings, and document retrieval.
Outcome: Legally registered & structuredB. Regulatory Licensing & Approvals
NAFDAC, SON, Fintech/financial services compliance, tech data-driven approvals, and sector-specific permits.
Outcome: Lawful regulatory scopeC. Legal & Compliance Advisory
Corporate governance, risk management, internal compliance procedures, and structuring for investment.
Outcome: Structurally sound for growthD. Data Protection & Privacy
NDPR audits, compliance documentation, privacy policies, consent frameworks, and staff procedures for total data security.
E. AML/CFT & Regulatory Reporting
AML/CFT frameworks, KYC onboarding monitoring policies, and reporting guidance for CBN, NFIU, and other regulators.
How We Start Working Together
When onboarding a new client, Certovia collects information through these 4 standard steps:
Business Info
Proposed company name(s), nature of business, address, and contact details.
Ownership Details
Founder/Director names, valid IDs, shareholding structures, and passports.
Compliance Assessment
Industry sector check, regulatory status, and data/financial handling operations.
Engagement Setup
Scope agreement, timeline, deliverables, fees, and signed service agreement.
Our Impact & Success Stories
"Certovia Limited has recently supported startups in strengthening their regulatory posture by providing AML and Data Protection training for internal teams, designing practical compliance roadmaps, and developing essential policies and agreements."
"Through this, we help businesses build compliant, scalable, and investor-ready structures from the ground up."
"Certovia Limited recently advised early-stage startups across the fintech and digital services space, delivering comprehensive support in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Data Protection compliance."
"Our work included staff training sessions, development of tailored compliance roadmaps, and the drafting of key policies and legal agreements to ensure regulatory readiness and operational efficiency."
Transparent Client-Facing Packages
Choose the tier that fits your growth stage.
Starter
Best for new/informal businesses
- CAC name reservation
- Business Name or Ltd registration
- Delivery of CAC documents
- Basic compliance guidance
Scale Up
Best for startups day one
- Everything in Option A
- Business structuring advice
- Regulatory assessment
- Basic policies (as applicable)
- Post-incorporation checklist
Enterprise
Best for regulated growth
- CAC registration & filings
- Regulatory licensing support
- Compliance frameworks & policies
- NDPR & AML/CFT docs
- Regulatory readiness support
Startup Legal & Compliance Retainer
Designed for early-stage companies that can’t afford a full-time lawyer or compliance officer. Flexible, affordable, and scalable.
Why Startups Love This:
Monthly Support Includes:
- Ongoing legal advisory
- Regulatory guidance & updates
- Review of contracts & policies
- CAC filings & reminders
- Compliance risk alerts
- Founder support access
Regulatory Compliance Checklist for Startups
In recent years, Nigeria’s regulatory environment has become increasingly structured, particularly following the introduction of the Nigerian Startup Act in 2022. While the long-term impact of the Act continues to evolve, one thing is clear—regulatory compliance is now a critical requirement for startups operating within Nigeria.
A startup, typically defined as a business in its early stages of development (generally within its first ten years), must operate within an established legal and regulatory framework to remain viable, avoid sanctions, and position itself for growth.
Compliance is no longer optional. It is a foundational requirement for credibility, sustainability, and scalability. This document outlines the key regulatory obligations that startups in Nigeria must be aware of and comply with.
All businesses operating in Nigeria must be formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in accordance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020.
Incorporation:
- Establishes the company as a separate legal entity
- Enables the business to operate lawfully
- Is required before commencing formal operations
Startups are required to register with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the relevant State Inland Revenue authorities.
Key Tax Obligations:
- Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- File Company Income Tax (CIT) (first filing within 18 months of incorporation)
- File Value Added Tax (VAT) monthly (on or before the 21st of the following month)
- Deduct and remit Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) monthly (by the 10th of the following month)
- File annual PAYE returns (by January 31 each year)
- Deduct and remit Withholding Tax (WHT) within 30 days
Failure to comply may result in penalties, interest, and regulatory sanctions.
After incorporation, companies must maintain accurate and up-to-date records with the CAC.
Requirements include:
- Filing of Annual Returns (first within 18 months, then yearly)
- Notification of changes in:
- Directors
- Shareholders
- Registered address
- Company structure
Failure to file may lead to penalties or the company being marked inactive.
Depending on the nature of the business, additional regulatory approvals may be required.
Examples:
- Financial services → Central Bank of Nigeria
- Investment and securities → Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria
For companies with foreign ownership:
- A Business Permit from the Federal Ministry of Interior is required
Companies are required to maintain basic governance structures.
Key obligations:
- Hold Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
- First AGM within 18 months
- Subsequent AGMs annually
- Conduct Board Meetings (first within 6 months)
- Maintain proper corporate records and minutes
Strong governance improves accountability and investor confidence.
Employers must comply with labour and social contribution requirements:
- Contribution to the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) (1% of payroll)
- Pension contributions:
- 8% (employee)
- 10% (employer)
- Contributions must be remitted within statutory timelines
Non-compliance attracts penalties and financial liabilities.
Businesses that process personal data must comply with the requirements of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.
Requirements:
- Registration as a data controller/processor (where applicable)
- Implementation of a Data Protection Framework
- Filing of annual data audit reports
- Adoption of internal privacy and data handling policies
Failure to comply may lead to regulatory sanctions and reputational risk.
Although not mandatory, startups are strongly encouraged to protect their intangible assets.
This includes:
- Trademark registration (brand name, logo)
- Copyrights and patents (where applicable)
Protection prevents unauthorized use and strengthens brand ownership.
Startups are expected to adopt good governance practices in line with applicable regulations and industry standards.
This may include:
- Internal policies and controls
- Risk management frameworks
- Compliance oversight structures
Companies with foreign ownership or participation must register with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission before commencing operations.
This enables:
- Legal recognition of foreign investment
- Access to investment protections
Where a Nigerian company enters into agreements involving foreign technology, such agreements must be registered with the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion.
Failure to register may restrict the ability to make payments abroad through Nigerian financial institutions.
Designated Non-Financial Institutions (DNFIs) must register with the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering.
Obligations include:
- Obtaining SCUML certificate
- Implementing AML/CFT measures
- Reporting transactions to the relevant authorities
Conclusion
Operating a startup in Nigeria requires more than a business idea it requires structured compliance with regulatory obligations.
A proactive approach to compliance helps businesses:
- Avoid legal and financial penalties
- Build credibility with regulators and partners
- Identify and manage risks effectively
- Position for sustainable growth and investment
At Certovia Limited, we support startups in navigating these requirements by providing end-to-end legal, regulatory, and compliance solutions from incorporation to full operational compliance.
Get In Touch
Have questions or ready to get started? Reach out to us today.