Check if your proposed business name meets CAC registration guidelines. Get naming rule validation, alternative suggestions, and a complete guide to registering your business in Nigeria.
| Registration Type | CAC Fee | Stamp Duty | Total (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Name | ₦10,000 | ₦500 | ₦10,500 |
| Private Ltd Company (≤₦1M share capital) | ₦15,000 | ₦15,000 | ₦30,000+ |
| Private Ltd Company (₦1M-₦10M) | ₦25,000 | ₦15,000 | ₦50,000+ |
| PLC (min ₦10M share capital) | ₦50,000+ | ₦15,000+ | ₦100,000+ |
| Incorporated Trustees (NGO) | ₦20,000 | ₦15,000 | ₦35,000+ |
| LLP | ₦20,000 | ₦15,000 | ₦35,000+ |
* Fees exclude lawyer/agent charges (typically ₦30,000-₦100,000 additional). Prices as of 2025 from CAC portal.
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is Nigeria's business registration authority, established under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020. All businesses operating in Nigeria must register with CAC — from sole proprietorships (business name registration) to private limited companies (Ltd), public companies (PLC), limited liability partnerships (LLP), and non-profits (incorporated trustees). With over 5 million businesses registered, CAC is one of Africa's busiest business registries.
The first step in registering any business is conducting a name availability search. CAC will reject names that are identical or misleadingly similar to existing registered names. Certain words are restricted and require special approval: "Federal," "National," "Municipal," "Bank," "Insurance," "Assurance," "Building Society," and words implying government patronage. Industry-specific words like "Pharmacy," "University," or "Microfinance" may require sectoral approvals before CAC registration.
CAMA 2020 brought significant reforms to Nigerian business registration. Key changes include: single-member companies are now permitted (previously minimum two shareholders), small companies are exempt from appointing auditors and filing audited accounts, the annual return filing process was simplified, and the CAC portal was modernized for fully online registration. These changes have made Nigeria one of the easier countries in Africa to register a business — the process can be completed in 3-7 business days online.
After registration, businesses must: obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from FIRS, register for VAT if annual turnover exceeds ₦25 million, file annual returns with CAC (₦5,000-₦50,000 depending on type), and comply with sector-specific regulations. Failure to file annual returns for 10 consecutive years can result in de-listing.
Online registration through the CAC portal typically takes 3-7 business days for a private limited company. Business name registration can be completed in 1-3 days. Incorporating a PLC takes longer (7-14 days) due to additional requirements. Using a registered agent can speed up the process but adds cost (₦30,000-₦100,000).
Yes, but with conditions. Foreigners can own 100% of a Nigerian company in most sectors. However, certain sectors (broadcasting, shipping, advertising) have local ownership requirements. Foreign companies must register a minimum share capital of ₦10 million. A Nigerian company secretary and registered office address in Nigeria are required.
This workspace turns the business-name availability workflow result into a reusable matter note, dashboard item and gated PDF checklist. Use the app first, then save the evidence trail.
Benchmarked against LegalZoom, Firstbase, Stripe Atlas and registry portals. The goal is not to copy them; it is to bring the useful workflow pattern into an Africa-first tool with official-source caution and local evidence capture.
A business-name checker should do more than tell users to search. It should help them prepare alternatives, avoid prohibited words, and connect name availability to CAC filing and trademark risk.
Before filing, signing, publishing, or sending anything, keep a short record that links the app result to evidence and official-source checks.
Save the country or regime, parties, dates, amounts, selected options, and final output. Add why this matters: Whether the name is registrable as a business name, company name or trademark.
Prepare at least three name options before the CAC search. Also keep the strongest supporting document, receipt, portal reference, ID, contract, policy, or court file beside the generated result.
If you see this risk, pause and get qualified help: Using a name because the domain is free while CAC or trademark search fails.