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You've picked a name. You've got your trustees. There's one more step before you can submit your main application. It surprises almost every first-time applicant.

Before CAC processes your Incorporated Trustees registration, you must publish a notice in two newspapers. Here's what that actually involves.

One National, One Local

You need one national newspaper and one local or state newspaper. Sources differ slightly on the exact wording — confirm directly with CAC or a registration agent before you book anything. But the pattern that holds up in real practice is one paper with national reach, and one that actually circulates where your organisation is based.

What the Notice Must Say

The notice must state your proposed name, your trustees, your aims and objectives, and your registered address. It also invites the public to raise any objection.

The 28-Day Rule Almost Nobody Explains Clearly

CAC counts your 28-day objection window from your second publication, not your first. If your two papers publish on different dates, the clock only starts once both notices are actually out.

Not Every Paper Is Still a Real Option

Some papers people assume are still running have stopped print circulation. Others are online only now. That may not satisfy a "publication" requirement built around print notices. Before you book with any paper, confirm it's still actively printing.

A Real Direction, Not Yet a Rule

CAC has signaled a plan to bring the publication process in-house, run through its own portal instead of independent newspapers. That's not the current rule — it's just a stated direction. Don't plan around it until it's confirmed as live.

Why This Step Exists at All

It's a public objection window, not paperwork for its own sake. Anyone who believes your name or your organisation conflicts with their own interests gets a real, defined period to raise it. That's part of why rushing this step rarely helps. A skipped detail here doesn't speed things up — it just creates a fresh problem CAC will query you on later.

Already sorted your name? Want to know what happens after this step? See our piece on why registrations keep getting rejected for the mistakes that trip people up even after publication is done right.

Need help thinking through your own club's registration, or the stamps and seals your association will need once it's incorporated? Get in touch — we're based in Ibadan and happy to talk through what's actually involved.