In Nigeria, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is empowered by law to regulate the registration, management, and administration of business names. Whether you're starting a sole proprietorship, partnership, or converting to a limited company, understanding CAC services for business names is crucial for full legal compliance and to unlock business opportunities.
CAC Services for Business Names: Complete Guide to Registration, Compliance & Post-Registration Services
At SplashDict, we specialize in simplifying CAC registration and post-registration services, making it easier for Nigerian entrepreneurs to thrive. This guide explores CAC services for business names, detailing the registration process, post-registration requirements, and compliance obligations to empower Nigerian businesses.
| Service | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| CTC of Business Name Certificate of Registration | NGN15,000 | |
| Change in Particulars of Proprietor(s) of Business Name | NGN25,000 | |
| Conversion of Business Name to Company (LTD) | NGN55,000 | |
| Business Name Registration | NGN25,000 | |
| Change of Proprietor / Partner | NGN25,000 | |
| Business Name Status Report | NGN15,000 | |
| Cessation of Business Name | NGN20,000 | |
| Change in Registered Address of Business Name | NGN25,000 | |
| Change of Nature of Business Name | NGN25,000 | |
| Request Letter of Good Standing for Business Name | NGN15,000 | |
| Annual Returns for Business Name | NGN15,000 | |
| Change of Name of Business Name | NGN30,000 |
Understanding CAC Services for Business Names
Under Section 569 of CAMA 2020, the CAC administers business name registration across Nigeria, maintaining a registry in each state as outlined in Section 570. These registries record essential details about registered businesses, ensuring transparency and compliance. CAC services for business names encompass:
Name Reservation and Registration: Securing a unique business name for individuals, firms, or corporations.
Compliance Filings: Annual returns and updates to business particulars.
Post-Registration Services: Certified true copies, changes to business details, and cessation of business names.
Searches and Verification: Access to registered business records for due diligence.
These services are designed to provide legal legitimacy, protect brand identity, and enable businesses to access financial and contractual opportunities.
Why Register a Business Name with the CAC?
Registering a business name with the CAC, as required under Section 573, is mandatory for any individual, firm, or corporation operating under a business name in Nigeria, unless the name consists solely of the true surnames of all partners or the individual’s surname without additions (other than forenames or initials). Here’s why registration is essential:
Legal Recognition: A registered business name allows you to enter contracts, open corporate bank accounts, and bid for tenders.
Brand Protection: Registration prevents others from using your business name, safeguarding your brand under Section 579.
Access to Opportunities: Many banks, government agencies, and corporate clients require CAC registration for partnerships or funding.
Compliance with CAMA 2020: Registration ensures adherence to legal requirements, avoiding penalties outlined in Section 584.
Professional Credibility: A CAC-registered business enhances customer trust and market credibility.
Who Is Required to Register a Business Name?
As per Section 573(1) of CAMA 2020, you must register your business name with the CAC if:
For Firms: The name includes additions beyond the true surnames of all partners (e.g., “Chuks & Sons Ventures” vs. “Chukwuma Enterprises”).
For Individuals: The name goes beyond your surname and forenames or initials (e.g., “Ada’s Beauty Hub” requires registration).
For Corporations: The business name differs from the corporate name registered under CAMA.
Exceptions (Section 573(2)):
Names indicating succession (e.g., “Ola’s Bakery, Est. 1990”) don’t require registration.
Adding an “s” to a shared surname (e.g., “Okeke Brothers”) is exempt.
Businesses managed by court-appointed receivers are not required to register.
Step-by-Step: CAC Business Name Registration Process
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has simplified the business name registration process through its online portal, in accordance with Section 574 of CAMA 2020. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process successfully.
1. Name Reservation:
The first step is to reserve your business name. This ensures your proposed name is unique and complies with Section 579, which prohibits names containing restricted terms such as “National,” “Government,” “Co-operative,” or any name considered deceptive or misleading.
To reserve your business name, visit the CAC Online Portal, create an account or log in, conduct a name availability search under Section 580, and submit two preferred names for approval.
Each name search costs ₦500 (as of June 2025), and the approval usually takes 24 to 48 hours. It is highly recommended to avoid restricted or misleading names to prevent rejection.
2. Complete the Registration Form:
After your name has been approved, you will need to complete the official registration form.
You must provide details such as the approved business name(s), the general nature of the business, the full postal address of the principal place of business and any additional locations, and the full names, nationality, age, sex, residence, and any other occupations of the partners for firms.
You will also need to upload valid identification (such as NIN, driver’s license, or passport), along with a passport photograph of the proprietor(s). The Form CAC/BN/1 must be completed directly on the portal and submitted along with scanned copies of all required documents.
Submission must occur within 28 days of commencing business or within three months of CAMA’s enactment. Ensuring accuracy at this stage is crucial to avoid delays or rejection.
3. Pay Registration Fees:
The next step is to pay the applicable registration fees. As of June 2025, the official fee for business name registration is ₦10,000, though this may change based on Section 585.
Payments are made online via the CAC portal using debit or credit cards or bank transfers. Always retain your payment confirmation for future reference.
4. Submit and Await Approval:
Once payment is confirmed, submit your completed application for official review. The CAC Registrar will examine your submission to ensure it meets all compliance requirements under Section 572.
The processing time usually ranges between 3 to 7 working days. If approved, you will receive your official Certificate of Registration.
5. Collect Your Certificate:
After approval, you can download your digital certificate directly from the CAC portal or request a physical copy from any CAC office. This certificate enables you to open corporate bank accounts, apply for licenses, and operate your business legally with full recognition.
Legal Sanctions for Non-Compliance
Section 584 of CAMA 2020 outlines several penalties for failure to comply with business name registration requirements.
Failure to register a business name or file the required annual returns attracts a daily fine of ₦50 for each day the default continues. If a business fails to notify the CAC of the cessation of business operations, it faces a flat fine of ₦520.
Non-compliance with publication requirements, as stipulated under Section 582 such as omitting required details like forenames, surname, and registration number on trade catalogs, business letters, or show cards leads to a fine of ₦250.
Providing false information in any required statement may result in a fine of up to ₦500 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both penalties.
However, under Section 583, defaulters who fail to comply due to accident, inadvertence, or other justifiable reasons may seek relief from the High Court. If granted, this relief allows them to enforce contracts that would otherwise be rendered unenforceable due to non-compliance.
Common Challenges and Solutions
One common challenge is name rejection due to restricted terms prohibited under Section 579 of CAMA 2020. To overcome this, it’s important to select unique business names and avoid using restricted words such as "National" or "Bank."
Another issue many entrepreneurs face is technical problems on the CAC online portal, which can usually be resolved by ensuring a stable internet connection or contacting CAC support for assistance.
Missing or incorrect documents also frequently cause delays or rejections; therefore, it’s essential to verify all requirements ahead of time using our comprehensive CAC Document Checklist.
Finally, some businesses struggle with high compliance costs. The best way to address this is to incorporate all expected fees into your initial business planning and budgeting process to avoid unexpected financial strain.
Annual returns
Every firm, company or individual carrying on business under a registered business name shall, not later than the 30th day of June in each year, except the calendar year in which the business name is registered, deliver to CAC a return in a prescribed form showing the particulars of the firm, company or individuals, the nature of the business carried on and the state of the financial affairs of the business carried on by the firm, company or individual in the business name during the preceding period of January 1 to December 31.
The returns shall be signed, in the case of an individual or firm consisting only of individuals, by the individuals and in the case of a company or a partner who is a company, by a director and the secretary.
Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this section shall be punishable with a fine of N200, and a daily default fine of N25.
Other CAC Post-Registration Services
After your business name is successfully registered, the CAC provides several post-registration services to help you maintain compliance, update your records, and make changes as your business evolves:
Certified True Copy of Business Name Certificate: This service provides an officially certified duplicate of your Business Name Certificate, which may be required for certain official transactions or verifications.
Certified True Copy of Business Name Status Report: This report provides a certified summary of your business name’s current registration status and details as contained in the CAC database.
Cessation of Business Name: If you decide to close or discontinue your business, you must formally notify the CAC by filing for cessation to officially terminate the business name and avoid further compliance obligations.
Change in Particulars of Proprietor(s) of Business Name: This allows you to update any personal details of the business proprietors such as names, addresses, or contact information as they change.
Change in Proprietor(s) of Business Name: If ownership of the business changes—whether adding or removing proprietors—you must file for an official update to reflect the new ownership structure.
Change in Registered Address of Business Name: This service enables you to update your principal place of business or any other registered business locations to ensure your business information remains current.
Change of Name of Business Name: If you wish to rebrand or operate under a new name, you can apply to officially change your registered business name with CAC approval.
Change of Nature of Business Name: If your business activities change significantly from the originally registered purpose, you are required to notify the CAC and update the nature of your business accordingly.
Conversion of Business Name to Company (LTD): This allows you to upgrade your business name registration to a Limited Liability Company (LLC), giving your business additional legal protections and structure as it grows.
Letter of Good Standing of Business Name: This is an official letter issued by the CAC confirming that your business is fully compliant with all registration and filing obligations, often required for certain contracts, tenders, or financial applications.
Why Choose SplashDict for Your CAC Business Name Registration?
At SplashDict, we’ve helped hundreds of Nigerian entrepreneurs register their business names and stay compliant with CAC regulations effortlessly. Our services include:
End-to-end business name registration services handled by experts.
Post-registration compliance filings like annual returns, changes in particulars, and business cessation filings.
Dedicated support team that handles CAC portal issues for you.
Fast turnaround time so you can focus on running your business.
| Service | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Registered Address of Business Name | NGN25,000 | |
| Annual Returns for Business Name | NGN15,000 | |
| Cessation of Business Name | NGN20,000 | |
| Change of Nature of Business Name | NGN25,000 | |
| Change in Particulars of Proprietor(s) of Business Name | NGN25,000 | |
| Change of Name of Business Name | NGN30,000 | |
| Request Letter of Good Standing for Business Name | NGN15,000 | |
| Business Name Status Report | NGN15,000 | |
| Business Name Registration | NGN25,000 | |
| CTC of Business Name Certificate of Registration | NGN15,000 | |
| Conversion of Business Name to Company (LTD) | NGN55,000 | |
| Change of Proprietor / Partner | NGN25,000 |
