How to Restore a Struck-Off Company in Nigeria: 2026 Restoration

In the 2026 corporate world, "Striking Off" is the ultimate penalty. It happens when the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) assumes your company is defunct due to years of silence (usually 10+ years of no annual returns). When a company is "Struck Off," it legally ceases to exist. Its RC Number is void, its bank accounts are frozen, and its assets technically belong to the state.

But how to restore a struck-off company in Nigeria? Is it possible to bring a brand back from the dead? The answer is Yes, but it is an process that requires more than just a portal login.

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🏗️ 1. Path 1: Administrative Restoration (The Faster Way)

In 2026, the CAC allows for a administrative restoration if the delisting was recent and uncomplicated.

1. The Application: A formal letter to the Registrar General of the CAC.
2. The Condition: You must file ALL outstanding annual returns and pay all late penalties.
3. The Fee: You must pay a Restoration Fee (ranging from ₦25,000 to ₦100,000 depending on the entity).
4. The Status: If approved, the CAC will gazette the restoration and your status will flip back to "Active."

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⚡ 2. Path 2: Court-Ordered Restoration (The Final Way)

If the administrative path is closed, you must approach the Federal High Court.

1. The Petition: An lawyer must file a petition to restore the company's name to the register.
2. The Proof: You must prove to the court that the company was carrying on business at the time of striking off or that it is just and equitable to restore it.
3. The Order: Once the judge signs the order, you serve it to the CAC. They are then legally mandated to restore the company.

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📋 3. Why You Need to Restore Immediately

In 2026, a "Struck Off" status is an emergency.

• Asset Lock: You cannot sell, transfer, or use any land, vehicles, or equipment owned by the company while it is struck off.
• Contractual Void: Any contracts signed by the company after striking off are illegal.
• The Name Risk: After a period of delisting, the CAC can release your name to the public. If someone else registers it, you can only be restored under a new name.

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🏢 4. The 2026 Documentation Checklist

To "Solidify" your restoration, you need:

• Certified True Copy (CTC) of the registration documents.
• Statement of Affairs for all missing years.
• Evidence of Business Activity (e.g., invoices, bank statements, or project reports from the delisted period).
• Affidavit of Facts sworn by a director.

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📝 5. The Cost of Resurrection

Resurrection is expensive.

• Backlog Costs: 10 years of returns (e.g., ₦100,000).
• Restoration Fee: (e.g., ₦50,000).
• Legal/Agent Fees: For an restoration, professionals often charge ₦50,000 to ₦250,000 depending on if a court order is needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does my RC Number change after restoration?

No. Your Registration Company (RC) number is restored along with the company.

2. Can I restore a company struck off in 1995?

Yes, but it is difficult. You will almost certainly need the Path 2 (Court Order) and proof that the company still has assets or a valid reason to exist.

3. How long does the restoration take?

Administrative restoration takes 15 to 30 working days. Court-ordered restoration can take 3 to 9 months depending on the court schedule.

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Bring Your Corporate Identity Back to Life

A "Struck Off" status is a crisis, but not a death sentence. Our experts specialize in restoring struck-off companies, managing the complex filings and court processes with "Zero-Mistake Insurance."

👉 Chat with an Accredited CAC Expert on WhatsApp