Giwa Ihesha
Member
You don’t need your Friend, Brother or Spouse to Register a Company with you Again
Let me tell you something many people still don't know about company registration in Nigeria.
You can register a private company and be the only shareholder.
Yes.
Just you.
You don't have to call your friend:
“Bro, I need you to put your name in my company.”
You don't have to call your sister:
“Please, I need you to be a shareholder for me.”
And you don't need to add someone you barely know simply because you think the law requires two people.
Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, a private company can have one shareholder.
And for a qualifying small company, you can also have one director.
Meaning?
You can own your company 100% by yourself and, where the company qualifies as a small company, be its sole director.
No “Abeg, help me put your name there first.”
No “Don't worry, you're only there on paper.”
No chasing your friend months later because you suddenly need the person to sign company documents.
The law has moved beyond that old arrangement.
And there is another interesting development
In June 2026, the Court of Appeal affirmed that the single-shareholder provision under CAMA 2020 applies to private companies generally, including companies incorporated before CAMA 2020.
So if you have been saying:
“I want to register a company, but I don't have anybody to put with me…”
You may not need anybody.
Of course, this does not mean every type of company can be owned by one person. The rules are different depending on the type and size of company. But for a qualifying private/small company, one person can be enough.
So, before you start disturbing your entire family looking for somebody to add to your company documents, talk to a lawyer or an accredited CAC professional and understand the structure that applies to your business.
Knowledge of the law can save you from unnecessary arrangements.
Did you know this?
Just in case I am an Accredited agent of CAC.
Confidence Aribibia
I remain your favorite Lawyer
Let me tell you something many people still don't know about company registration in Nigeria.
You can register a private company and be the only shareholder.
Yes.
Just you.
You don't have to call your friend:
“Bro, I need you to put your name in my company.”
You don't have to call your sister:
“Please, I need you to be a shareholder for me.”
And you don't need to add someone you barely know simply because you think the law requires two people.
Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, a private company can have one shareholder.
And for a qualifying small company, you can also have one director.
Meaning?
You can own your company 100% by yourself and, where the company qualifies as a small company, be its sole director.
No “Abeg, help me put your name there first.”
No “Don't worry, you're only there on paper.”
No chasing your friend months later because you suddenly need the person to sign company documents.
The law has moved beyond that old arrangement.
And there is another interesting development
In June 2026, the Court of Appeal affirmed that the single-shareholder provision under CAMA 2020 applies to private companies generally, including companies incorporated before CAMA 2020.
So if you have been saying:
“I want to register a company, but I don't have anybody to put with me…”
You may not need anybody.
Of course, this does not mean every type of company can be owned by one person. The rules are different depending on the type and size of company. But for a qualifying private/small company, one person can be enough.
So, before you start disturbing your entire family looking for somebody to add to your company documents, talk to a lawyer or an accredited CAC professional and understand the structure that applies to your business.
Knowledge of the law can save you from unnecessary arrangements.
Did you know this?
Just in case I am an Accredited agent of CAC.
Confidence AribibiaI remain your favorite Lawyer