CAC Unveils Administrative Proceedings For Business Disputes

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has introduced an Administrative Proceedings Committee (APC) to handle business disputes, enforce compliance, and impose penalties for violations of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.

This initiative provides business owners, clubs, associations, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with a structured mechanism to resolve grievances without resorting to lengthy litigation.

Under Section 851 of CAMA 2020, the APC has the authority to adjudicate non-criminal disputes, impose administrative penalties, suspend or revoke business registrations, and recommend criminal prosecution when necessary. The CAC is encouraging businesses to take advantage of this platform to resolve conflicts efficiently rather than engaging in prolonged court cases that may hinder their operations and economic growth. Complaints can be submitted via email to apc@cac.gov.ng or in writing to the Registrar-General of CAC.

The APC is chaired by the Registrar-General of the CAC and comprises five senior representatives from the commission’s operational departments, including one from the Compliance Department, as well as a representative from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment at the director level.

With this development, the CAC aims to strengthen the enforcement of business regulations, similar to the role played by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). As regulatory oversight intensifies, businesses are advised to remain compliant with CAMA 2020 to avoid penalties and potential sanctions.