An incorporated trustee is a legal entity that is created to manage and hold property for a charitable or religious purpose. Mosques can be registered as incorporated trustees with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria. This gives the mosque a number of benefits, including perpetual succession, limited liability, access to funding, and legal recognition.
There are a number of reasons why mosques may want to register as incorporated trustees. First, it provides a formal structure for the management of the mosque. This can help to ensure that the mosque is run efficiently and effectively. Second, registration as an incorporated trustee gives the mosque a legal identity. This means that the mosque can own property, enter into contracts, and sue and be sued in its own name. Third, registration can make it easier for the mosque to obtain funding from government agencies and international donors.
Requirements
To register a mosque as an incorporated trustee with CAC, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Proposed name of the mosque: The name must be unique and not already in use by another registered entity.
- Constitution of the mosque: The constitution should set out the objectives of the mosque, its membership structure, and the procedures for managing the mosque.
- List of trustees (at least three): The trustees must be adult Nigerian citizens who are of good character.
- Addresses of the trustees: The addresses of the trustees must be verifiable.
- Occupation of the trustees: The occupation of the trustees must be stated.
- Nationality of the trustees: The nationality of the trustees must be stated.
- Form CAC IT 01: This form can be downloaded from the CAC website.
Registration Process
The registration process for mosques is relatively simple and can be completed online through the CAC Company Registration Portal (CRP). To register your mosque, follow these steps:
- Check for availability of the proposed mosque name on the CAC website.
- Create an account on the CRP.
- Complete Form CAC IT 01 and upload the required documents to the CRP.
- Pay the filing fee.
- Submit your application for review.
- If your application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation and a Certified Extract of Registration Information.
Benefits of Registering a Mosque as an Incorporated Trustee
There are a number of benefits to registering a mosque as an incorporated trustee, including:
- Perpetual succession: When a mosque is registered as an incorporated trustee, it continues to exist even if its trustees change or die.
- Limited liability: The trustees of a registered mosque are not personally liable for the debts and liabilities of the mosque. This means that the trustees’ personal assets are protected if the mosque becomes insolvent.
- Access to funding: Registered mosques are more likely to receive funding from government agencies and international donors. This is because registered mosques are seen as being more credible and accountable.
- Legal recognition: Registration gives the mosque a legal identity and makes it easier to conduct business. For example, registered mosques can open bank accounts and enter into contracts in their own name.
FAQs
How much does it cost to register a mosque as an incorporated trustee?
The filing fee for registering a mosque as an incorporated trustee is N5,000.
How long does it take to register a mosque as an incorporated trustee?
The registration process typically takes between 2 and 4 weeks.
What are the requirements for being a trustee of a mosque?
The trustees of a registered mosque must be adult Nigerian citizens who are of good character. They must also be willing to serve as trustees without any financial remuneration.
What are the benefits of having a constitution for the mosque?
A constitution provides a framework for the management of the mosque. It sets out the objectives of the mosque, its membership structure, and the procedures for managing the mosque. A constitution can also help to protect the mosque from legal challenges.
What are the duties and responsibilities of the trustees of a mosque?
The trustees of a registered mosque have a number of duties and responsibilities, including:
- Ensuring that the mosque is managed in accordance with its constitution.
- Protecting the assets of the mosque.
- Accounting for the use of the mosque’s funds.
- Representing the mosque in dealings with third parties.
Conclusion
Registering a mosque as an incorporated trustee with CAC is a relatively simple process that can offer a number of benefits to the mosque and its members. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your mosque is properly registered and can enjoy all of the benefits that come with it.
