1. REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS
(ACCORDING TO ARCON DECREE OF 1990)
WRITTEN BY 
SHITTU HABIB. A.
ARC/07/0999

2. ABSTRACT
This paper critically examines the contents, the importance, and the laws of the ARCON of Decree ‘as amended in 1990’ with regards to requirements and procedure for registration of architecture firms in caring out the professional practice in Nigeria.

3. INTRODUCTION
The Architect’s Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Decree was made in 1969 and reviewed in The aim and objectives of the Decree focus on three broad areas- Education and Training; Practice; and Corporate Relations.

4. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS
There are three categories of firms registrable with the Council:
CATEGORY A:
i. Business names, or
ii. Corporate Bodies with all the Proprietors, subscribers, share-holders and directors as fully registered architects with Nigerian citizenship.

5. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS
CATEGORY B:
Architectural firms incorporated in which the fully registered Architects;
Holds 60 percent of the shares jointly or severally.
Show indisputable evidence of operational, signatories and financial control of the firm.

6. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS
CATEGORY C:
Multi-disciplinary consultancy firms with fully Registered Nigerian Architect possess the following;
Holds 60% of the shares jointly or severally.
Show indisputable evidence of operational, signatories and financial control.
The non-Architect directors are registered professionals in the building industry.

7. PROCEDURE FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS
Applicant’s firm shall return duly completed application form
to the Registrar and attach photocopies of following:
Corporate body with limited liability
i. certificate of incorporation.
ii. Form C.07 and
Memorandum and Articles of Association;

8. PROCEDURE FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS
in the case of a business name:
(i) Certificate of registration.
Form C.02
*There is an annual renewal fee for
the registration of the firm.

9. PROCEDURE FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS
Sponsors columns shall be properly filled with the sponsors
clearly stating the following:-
(a) Names, addresses;
(b) Affix the Council’s seal;
(c) Quote full registration number and year of registration before signing.

10. Conclusion The ARCON decree of 1990 spelt out
what is required of a registered Architect(s)
in seting up of an Architecture firm,
thereby complementing the requirement of
Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.