Can I register a business without a lawyer or chartered accountant?

Yes, in 2026 you can absolutely register your business without a lawyer, chartered accountant, or chartered secretary.

Under the CAMA 2020 and the newly launched AI-Powered i-CRP Portal (active as of July 2025/2026), the Corporate Affairs Commission has democratized the process to support the "Ease of Doing Business."

Here is how the "Self-Service" (DIY) model works for you:

1. The "Public User" Account

When you visit the i-CRP Portal, you can create a "Public User" account. This account type is specifically designed for business owners to handle their own registrations.

• Who can use it: Any first director, proprietor, or shareholder of the company.
• What you can do: You can handle Name Reservations and New Incorporations (Pre-incorporation) entirely on your own.

2. How the "Legal Requirement" is handled

In the past, a lawyer had to sign a "Statutory Declaration of Compliance." In 2026, the system handles this for you:

• Digital Attestation: When you use the portal yourself, you simply tick a box for "Electronic Attestation." You are legally declaring that you have complied with the requirements of the law.
• No Extra Fee: Previously, some DIY users paid a small fee (around ₦500) for a CAC staff lawyer to sign for them, but the current AI-driven portal has largely automated this verification.

3. When a Professional is still "Highly Recommended"

While you can do it yourself, there are three scenarios where using an accredited agent (Lawyer/Accountant) is safer:

• Complex MEMARTs: If your company has multiple classes of shares (e.g., Preference Shares for investors) or complex "Object Clauses," the standard CAC template might not be enough.
• Post-Incorporation: Most "Public User" accounts have limited access to Post-Incorporation filings (like changing directors or increasing share capital later). For these, you often still need an Accredited Agent login.
• Foreign Participation: If your business has foreign shareholders or directors, the legal and regulatory requirements (like NIPC registration) are much stricter, and mistakes can be costly.

4. DIY Summary for 2026

Warning on "Restricted" Business Names

If you are registering a business that requires a Proficiency Certificate (e.g., an Engineering firm, Medical clinic, or Accounting practice), the portal will ask you to upload the professional license of at least one director. You cannot bypass this even as a DIY user.