Reserving a business name is the first and most crucial step when registering a company, business, or NGO in Nigeria. The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) requires every applicant to secure a unique and approved name before proceeding with full incorporation or registration.

With the launch of the new AI-powered CAC iCRP portal, the process has changed, with automated approvals for most names and a separate system for names requiring manual review.

Understanding CAC Name Reservation: How to Reserve, Avoid Rejections, and Get Consent for Restricted Names

In this guide, we’ll break down what CAC name reservation is, why it matters, how to reserve a name step by step, the common reasons for rejection (and how to fix them), tips for choosing a name the CAC will approve, and the process for handling restricted names that need consent, so you can avoid delays, rejections, and wasted fees.

What is CAC Name Reservation and Why Does It Matter?

CAC Name Reservation is the first and most crucial step in registering any business or organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). It involves checking the availability of your proposed business name and securing it so that no one else can use it while you proceed with incorporation.

Once approved, your chosen name is reserved exclusively for 60 days, during which you can complete your registration or apply for renewal. However, it’s important to note that a reserved name does not confer legal status—your business becomes a legal entity only after full incorporation is completed.

The New CAC iCRP Portal: Automated vs. Manual Approvals

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) revolutionized its registration system in May 2025 with the launch of the AI-powered Integrated Company Registration Portal (iCRP). This upgrade has made business name reservation in Nigeria faster, smarter, and more efficient than ever.

For most entity types, including Business Names, Companies, Limited Partnerships (LP), and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP), the process is now fully automated. Applicants typically receive instant approval once payment is confirmed. If your preferred name is unavailable, the system can even provide AI-generated name suggestions to help you choose a compliant alternative quickly.

However, not all names qualify for instant approval. Certain categories still require manual review by CAC officers. These include:

Incorporated Trustees (NGOs, associations, religious or charitable organizations)
Companies Limited by Guarantee (LTD/GTE)
Holding companies or re-registrations of existing entities
Names containing restricted words such as “Group,” “National,” “Institute,” “Council,” or any term suggesting government affiliation

Applications under these categories are processed through the Name Requiring Consent route, which takes longer due to additional scrutiny and approval from CAC officials.

Regardless of the method used, a few key rules apply to all name reservations:

Validity: A reservation lasts for 60 days and can be renewed if registration isn’t completed within that time.
Accuracy: Once submitted, entered details cannot be edited until after incorporation.
Compliance: The CAC reserves the right to reject any name it considers misleading, offensive, or non-compliant with CAMA 2020.

To avoid unnecessary delays or rejections, always prepare multiple compliant name options before submitting your application.

How to Choose a Business Name That the CAC Will Approve

To improve your chances of CAC approval, your name must be unique, descriptive, and compliant with CAC guidelines. Pick a name that reflects what your business does while standing out from others.

For example, instead of a generic “Solutions Ltd,” consider something more distinctive like “Lagos ART Digital Solutions” or “Kainji Kitchens.” These are easier to remember and perform better in SEO and branding.

Start by running a name search on the CAC portal to confirm availability. Avoid names that sound or look similar to existing ones; small variations can still lead to rejection.

Before applying, check domain name availability and trademark conflicts to secure your online and legal identity. Avoid restricted, offensive, or misleading words, as these often require special consent or lead to rejections.

A well-chosen name saves time, prevents rejection, and gives your business a strong foundation from the start.

SEO Tips for Choosing a Business Name

Choosing the right business name goes beyond CAC approval; it’s also a powerful tool for online visibility and brand growth. A well-optimized name helps customers find you easily, strengthens credibility, and supports long-term success in search rankings.

To get the best results, choose a name that is unique, memorable, and easy to spell. Include relevant keywords that describe your business or location, for example, “Lagos Cleaning Services” is clearer and more discoverable than “Global Ventures.” Keep it short and simple, avoiding numbers or symbols that make it harder to search or remember.

Before finalizing your choice, check for domain availability, social media handles, and trademark conflicts. Consistency across your website and social platforms improves recognition and SEO performance.

If your business targets a specific area, adding location-based keywords can boost local search rankings. Ultimately, a well-chosen, SEO-friendly name doesn’t just meet CAC requirements; it positions your brand to grow faster, reach more customers, and stand out online.

Naming Rules and Suffix Requirements Under CAMA 2020

Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, every business or company name in Nigeria must meet the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) naming standards before approval. These rules ensure names are distinct, lawful, and clearly identify the type of entity being registered.

Your chosen name must:

Be unique, not identical or confusingly similar to an existing name.
Be clear and non-misleading, with at least two words and no unnecessary punctuation or abbreviations.
Include the correct legal suffix for companies, or a descriptive term (optional) for business names.

Here’s a quick guide to suffix requirements across entity types:

Entity Type	Suffix Requirement	Example of Acceptable Name Format
Private Company Limited by Shares	Must end with Limited or Ltd	ABC Foods Limited or ABC Foods Ltd
Public Company Limited by Shares	Must end with Public Limited Company or PLC	Nigerian Breweries PLC
Company Limited by Guarantee	Must include (Limited by Guarantee) or Ltd/Gte	Nigeria Youth Foundation Ltd/Gte
Unlimited Company	Must end with Unlimited or Ultd	Tega Engineering Unlimited
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)	Must end with LLP	BrightTech LLP
Limited Partnership (LP)	Must end with LP	Greenfield Ventures LP
Business Name (Sole Proprietorship or Partnership)	No mandatory suffix — may optionally include Enterprises, Ventures, Services, Stores, etc.	Deola Ventures or Sunrise Enterprises

Using the correct suffix (or descriptive term for business names) ensures your application aligns with CAMA 2020 and avoids CAC rejection or delays.

Prohibited and Restricted Names Under CAC Rules

Under Section 852 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, not every proposed name can be approved by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Certain names are prohibited outright, while others are restricted and require prior CAC consent (or approval from another regulator) before use.

Prohibited Names

These names are not approvable under any circumstance. A name will be rejected if it:

Is identical or deceptively similar to an existing business or company name.
Example: “GTBank Nigeria Ltd” vs. “G.T. Bank Limited.”
Is offensive, misleading, or undesirable, especially in relation to race, religion, or social order.
Example: “Holy Fraud Ministries” or “French Traders Ltd.”
Poses a threat to public peace or national security.
Example: “Revolution Army Enterprises.”
Falsely implies state, royal, or foreign affiliation.
Example: “Presidential Holdings Ltd” or “United Nations Foundation.”

Restricted Names (Require CAC Consent)

Restricted names are not automatically rejected but must undergo manual review and consent from the CAC, and in some cases, other government bodies, before approval.

Common categories and examples include:

Government Affiliation: “Federal,” “National,” “State,” “Regional,” “Government.”
Professional or Institutional Titles: “Chartered,” “Institute,” “Cooperative,” “Chamber of Commerce,” “Building Society.”
Structural or Group Terms: “Group,” “Holdings,” “Foundation” (for certain entities).
Religious or Charitable Associations: “Church,” “Mosque,” “Charity,” “Mission.”
International or Professional Scope: “International,” “Global,” “Law,” “Engineering,” “Medical.”

If your proposed name includes any of these sensitive words, CAC consent is mandatory before reservation or registration. This process helps ensure authenticity, prevent public deception, and maintain confidence in registered Nigerian entities.

Step-by-Step: How to Reserve a Business Name on the CAC iCRP Portal (Standard Reservation)

Reserving a business name on the Corporate Affairs Commission’s new Intelligent Company Registration Portal (iCRP) is now faster and easier, thanks to automated approvals. Follow these steps to complete your reservation successfully:

Step 1: Access the CAC iCRP Portal

Go to icrp.cac.gov.ng using a desktop or mobile browser.

Step 2: Log In to Your Account

Click Login at the top-right corner, enter your registered email and password, and complete the One-Time Password (OTP) verification sent to your email. Once verified, you’ll be redirected to your dashboard.

Step 3: Start a New Name Reservation

On the dashboard, select Name Reservation from the menu and click New Reservation to begin.

Step 4: Select Business Type

Choose your Business Classification (such as Company, Business Name, LLP, or LP), select the Business Type (for example, Sole Proprietorship, Private Ltd, or Public Ltd), and click Continue.

Step 5: Enter Proposed Name & Details

Type in your Proposed Business Name, select the Nature of Business and Specific Nature of Business, then click Check Availability to confirm if the name is free.

Step 6: Handle Availability Results

If the name is available, click Continue to Payment. If it is unavailable, you can either update your proposed name or use the AI-powered name suggestions provided by the portal, then proceed to payment once satisfied.

Step 7: Make Payment

You will be redirected to Remita to complete payment (₦500 + Remita charges) using your preferred method. Once payment is successful, the system instantly approves your reservation and issues an AV Code (Approval Validation Code).

Step 8: Next Steps

After approval, you can either click Continue to Filing to proceed with full registration or return to your dashboard by selecting Go Home.

Step-by-Step: How to Reserve a Business Name Requiring Consent

Some business names require manual review and approval by the CAC. This applies to Incorporated Trustees (NGOs, religious bodies, associations), Companies Limited by Guarantee, holding companies, re-registrations, and any entity using restricted words like “Group,” “National,” “Institute,” or “Foundation.” These applications are not instant and often require supporting documents.

Step 1: Access the Correct Portal Section

After logging in to the iCRP dashboard, select the "Name Requiring Consent" option. This separates your application from the automated process and routes it to the correct department for manual review.

Step 2: Provide Basic Details

Select the appropriate Business Classification (e.g., Incorporated Trustee) and Business Type. Then, choose the specific "Reason for Consent Request" from the dropdown menu, which can include:

New Incorporation / Registration
Registration of Business Name as Limited
Change of Name of Business / Company
Group Holdings / Consortium
Use of Restricted Word

Step 3: Enter Entity Information

This section is where you provide the details for your proposed entity. The specific fields will vary slightly based on your entity type but are generally consistent:

Proposed Name(s): Enter up to three name options in order of preference.
Principal Activity: Describe your main business or association activity.
Contact Information: Provide the official email address for correspondence.
Registered Office Address: Enter the full address, including the state, LGA, city, and street name.

Step 4: Review and Submit

Review all the information you have entered on the preview page. Once you are certain everything is accurate, proceed to the payment page.

Step 5: Make Payment

You will be redirected to Remita to complete payment (₦5,000 + Remita charges) using your preferred method.

Step 6: Next Steps

After a successful payment, your application will be submitted to a CAC Approving Officer for a detailed review. Approval is not instant and may take several days or weeks to get an AV Code (Approval Validation Code).

You will receive an email notification when your application status is either "Queried" (meaning you need to make corrections) or "Approved".

CAC Name Reservation Duration, Renewal, & Cancellation

Under Section 31 of CAMA 2020, once a business or company name is approved by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), it is reserved exclusively for 60 days. During this period, no one else can register or reserve the same or a similar name.

If registration is not completed within that time, the reservation can be renewed for another 60 days to keep the name secured.

The CAC may withdraw or cancel a reserved name before registration if it was obtained through error, fraud, or misleading information, or if it later conflicts with an existing entity.

Additionally, when a company changes its name or is deregistered, the old name becomes available for reuse after 60 days, ensuring fairness and preventing duplication.

Common Reasons CAC Rejects Business Name Applications

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) frequently rejects business name applications due to naming conflicts, restricted words, or simple filing errors. Understanding these common pitfalls can help you avoid delays and get faster approval.

1. Name-Related Issues

Identical or Too Similar to an Existing Name: This is the most common cause of rejection. The CAC will not approve names that are identical or confusingly similar to existing registered businesses or trademarks, even if they differ slightly in spelling or word order. Use the CAC public search tool to check availability, and cross-check on Google and social media before applying.

Restricted and Prohibited Words: Certain words are banned or require official consent because of their sensitivity or implication of authority. Avoid restricted or official-sounding words unless you’re ready to apply for consent through the CAC iCRP portal.

Vague or Generic Names: Overly broad names such as “Trading Ventures” or “Supplies Nigeria” may be rejected for lacking distinctiveness. Add unique or descriptive terms that distinguish your business, e.g., “Lagos Digital Solutions Ltd” instead of “Solutions Ltd.”

Incorrect Structure: Using the wrong suffix can lead to instant rejection. For example, business names (enterprises) cannot include “Ltd” or “PLC”, which are reserved for incorporated companies.

2. Application and Document Errors

Incorrect or Incomplete Information: Typos or inconsistencies in names, addresses, or ID numbers can cause rejection. Ensure every detail matches your government-issued ID (e.g., NIN or driver’s license).

Poor-Quality Document Uploads: Blurry photos, low-resolution scans, or wrong file formats often trigger queries. Upload clear, well-scanned documents in the correct formats (JPEG for photos, PDF for documents).

Mismatched or Invalid Addresses: Using a P.O. Box or inconsistent address details may get your application flagged. Provide a verifiable physical business address in Nigeria and keep it consistent throughout the form.

Generic Nature of Business: Vague business descriptions like “General Contracts” often lead to queries. Clearly describe your activities, e.g., “Provision of Janitorial Services and Office Supplies.”

3. Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Use the CAC Search Tool: Always perform a name availability search before submission.
Prepare Multiple Options: Have two or three name choices ready in case your first is rejected.
Respond Promptly to Queries: Monitor your CAC dashboard and address queries quickly.
Consider an Accredited Agent: A CAC-accredited agent or lawyer can help ensure compliance and reduce the risk of rejection.

What to Do If Your CAC Name Reservation Is Rejected or Queried

If the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) rejects or queries your name reservation, it usually means the proposed name violates naming rules or the application contains errors. Here’s how to handle it effectively:

Review the Query or Rejection Note: Log into the CAC Company Registration Portal (CRP) and check the remarks under your application. The system will indicate the reason for rejection or query.
Correct the Issue: If it’s a query (not a full rejection), you can fix the highlighted error, such as wrong spelling, invalid suffix, or missing document, and resubmit within the allowed period.
Substitute the Name: If your name was rejected due to similarity or restriction, you’ll need to propose a new name. You can submit an alternative directly in your existing application instead of starting over.
Renew or Reapply: If your reservation expired or was fully cancelled, reapply for a new reservation using a corrected or completely new name. Each reservation remains valid for 60 days.
Seek CAC Consent (if applicable): If your rejected name includes restricted terms (like “Federal,” “Holdings,” or “Foundation”), obtain prior consent from the CAC or the relevant regulator before resubmitting.
Use a CAC-accredited agent: If you’re unsure why the rejection occurred or how to correct it, a CAC-accredited agent or legal consultant can help you resolve issues and ensure compliance before resubmission.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Reserving your business name is the foundation of every CAC registration. By following the rules under CAMA 2020, choosing a compliant name, and using the iCRP portal correctly, you can avoid rejections, delays.

At SplashDict, our experts help you pick compliant names, handle restricted-word consent, and manage the CAC process from start to finish, so you don’t have to worry about rejections.