Do I need special licenses after CAC registration?

Yes. In 2026, CAC registration is only the first step. Depending on your industry, you likely need additional operational licenses from specific regulators to avoid heavy fines or being shut down.

Here is a breakdown of the secondary licenses required in 2026:

1. Anti-Money Laundering (SCUML) — Mandatory for many

If your business is a Designated Non-Financial Business and Profession (DNFBPs), you must register with the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML).

Note: Without a SCUML certificate, banks in 2026 will not allow you to open a corporate account or process large transactions.

• Who needs it: Real Estate agents, Car dealers, Jewelers, Casinos, Law firms, Accounting firms, and Construction companies.

2. Tech & Fintech Licenses

Tech companies have the most complex secondary layers in 2026:

• NDPC (Data Protection): If you collect any data (names, emails, phone numbers) from Nigerians, you must register with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and file a data audit report annually.
• NOTAP: If you use foreign software or technical expertise via a contract with a parent company abroad, that contract must be registered with NOTAP to allow you to legally pay for it in foreign currency.
• NCC (Telecoms): Required for Value-Added Services (VAS), ISPs, or any business involving internet infrastructure.
• SEC/CBN: Mandatory for any Fintech (e.g., Crowdfunding, Crypto/Virtual Assets, or Payment Gateways).

3. Consumables & Health (NAFDAC & SON)

• NAFDAC: Mandatory for anyone producing, importing, or selling food, drugs, cosmetics, or chemicals. You need a NAFDAC number for each individual product.
• SON (Standards Organisation of Nigeria): Required for manufactured goods. You must get a MANCAP certificate (for local goods) or SONCAP (for imports) to prove your products meet Nigerian standards.

4. Physical Operations & Environment

• NESREA: If your business generates waste, noise, or emissions (e.g., factories, hotels, or even large offices with big generators), you need an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or an Environmental Audit permit.
• Federal Fire Service: Every physical business location must have a Fire Safety Certificate, usually issued after an inspection of your extinguishers and exits.

Sector-Specific Checklist (2026)

Summary of Post-CAC Compliance

1. TIN: Generated automatically, but must be activated on TaxPro Max.
2. SCUML: Check if your business is in the "DNFBPs" list (Mandatory for banking).

Sector Permit: Apply to the relevant body (NAFDAC, NCC, etc.) before you open your doors.