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.
But here’s the problem: many applicants still get their names rejected because they don’t understand CAC’s rules. Others get stuck when trying to register names that require special consent.
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 important step in registering any business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). It is the process of checking and securing a unique name so no one else can use it while you proceed with incorporation.
Once approved, the name is reserved exclusively for 60 days, during which you must complete registration or renew the reservation. However, a reserved name does not make your business a legal entity until full registration is completed.
There are two types of name reservations on the CAC iCRP portal. The standard method is the automated reservation, used for Business Names, Companies, Limited Partnerships (LP), and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP). This process is usually instant once payment is successful.
The second is the Name Requiring Consent route, which is mandatory for Incorporated Trustees (NGOs, associations, religious bodies) and Companies Limited by Guarantee, and also applies when incorporating a holding company, re-registering a company, or using restricted words like “Group,” “National,” or “Institute.” This process is manually reviewed by CAC officers and may take longer.
Reserving your business name matters because it provides brand protection, ensures compliance with CAMA 2020, and streamlines the registration process.
The New CAC iCRP Portal: Automated vs. Manual Approvals
The Corporate Affairs Commission’s new AI-powered iCRP portal, launched in May 2025, has transformed how business names are reserved in Nigeria. For most entities, companies, business names, LLPs, and LPs, the process is now automated, giving applicants instant approval once payment is confirmed. If your first choice is unavailable, the system can even generate AI-driven name suggestions to speed things up.
Not all names qualify for instant approval. Where Incorporated Trustees, Companies Limited by Guarantee, re-registrations, holding companies, or restricted words are involved, the application is routed through a manual review, which takes longer and requires CAC staff approval.
Across both methods, a few rules remain fixed: a reservation lasts only 60 days, details entered cannot be changed until after registration, and the CAC reserves the right to reject any name it deems misleading, offensive, or non-compliant. Preparing multiple compliant options before applying is the best way to avoid unnecessary rejection.
How to Choose a Business Name That the CAC Will Approve
Picking the right business name is more than just creativity; it’s about striking a balance between compliance, uniqueness, and brand value. Before anything else, always run a search on the CAC portal to confirm availability. Check for similar spellings, sound-alike names, and close variations that could lead to rejection. A quick search can save you time, money, and multiple failed applications.
When crafting your name, aim for something descriptive yet distinct. A strong name should reflect what your business does, while also being unique enough to stand out. For example, instead of a generic “Solutions Ltd,” consider something like “Lagos Digital Solutions Ltd” or “Kainji Kitchens Ltd.” Descriptive names are also more SEO-friendly, helping customers find you online. Don’t forget to double-check domain availability and trademarks to avoid conflicts later.
Also, boost your approval chances by following CAC’s naming rules: use the right suffix for your entity type (Ltd, PLC, LLP, etc.), avoid restricted words unless you’re prepared to apply for consent, and steer clear of offensive or misleading terms. Think long-term, too; choose a name that is easy to pronounce, memorable, and flexible enough to grow with your brand. A little preparation upfront makes approval faster and helps protect your business identity.
SEO Best Practices for Naming a Business
Choosing a strong business name is not just about branding; it also plays a key role in search engine optimization (SEO). The right name can boost your online visibility, help customers find you more easily, and give your brand a competitive edge in search rankings.
To maximize SEO benefits, pick a name that is unique, memorable, and easy to spell. Where possible, incorporate relevant keywords that describe your business or location; for instance, “Abuja Catering Services” is clearer and more discoverable than a generic “Global Enterprises.” Keep names simple and concise, avoiding numbers or special characters that can confuse search engines and customers alike.
Also think long-term: check that your chosen name has domain availability, matches social media handles, and has no trademark conflicts. Consistency across your website, social media, and online listings is critical for SEO and brand recognition.
If your business targets a specific city or region, adding location-based keywords can further improve local search rankings. Ultimately, a well-chosen name should not only represent your brand but also work for you online, driving organic traffic, strengthening credibility, and setting you up for growth.
Naming Requirements for Companies and Businesses in Nigeria
Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, every business or company name in Nigeria must meet strict legal standards before the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) will approve it. These rules are designed to prevent confusion, protect the public, and ensure that business names accurately reflect the type of entity being registered.
In general, your proposed name must be unique, not offensive or misleading, and free from restricted words unless you obtain consent. It must also follow basic format rules: at least two words, no unnecessary abbreviations, and the correct legal suffix for your entity type. Importantly, your name cannot infringe on existing business names, incorporated trustees, or registered trademarks.
Here’s a breakdown of suffix requirements for different entities in Nigeria:
Private Companies Limited by Shares – must end with “Limited” or “Ltd”.
Public Companies Limited by Shares – must end with “Public Limited Company” or “PLC”.
Companies Limited by Guarantee – must include (Limited by Guarantee) or (Ltd/Gte).
Unlimited Companies – must end with “Unlimited” or “Ultd”.
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) – must end with “LLP”.
Limited Partnerships (LP) – must end with “LP”.
By following these naming requirements, you not only comply with CAMA 2020 but also avoid unnecessary delays or rejections during your CAC application.
Prohibited and Restricted Names Under CAC Rules
Not every name can be approved by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Under Section 852 of CAMA 2020, some names are outright prohibited, while others are restricted and require prior consent from the CAC (or in some cases, another regulator) before they can be used.
Prohibited Names
These are names that the CAC will not approve under any circumstances. A name is prohibited if it is:
- Identical or deceptive: A name that is the same as an existing company or one that closely resembles it.
- Offensive or misleading: A name that is undesirable, offensive, or could mislead the public about the nature, race, or religion of the business owner.
- A threat to public security: Any name that could undermine public peace or national security.
- Implying state connection: A name that deceptively references a foreign state, government, or a royal or presidential connection.
Restricted Names (Requiring CAC Consent)
Unlike prohibited names, restricted names are not automatically rejected. However, they require special consent from the CAC or other relevant authorities before they can be reserved. This is a manual review process designed to prevent misrepresentation and protect the integrity of institutions.
Common examples of words and phrases that require consent include:
- Government Affiliation: Words like "Federal," "National," "State," "Regional," or "Government."
- Professional & Institutional Titles: Terms such as "Chartered," "Institute," "Cooperative," "Building Society," "Chamber of Commerce," or "Municipal."
- Structural Terms: Words like "Group," "Holdings," or "Foundation" (when used by certain entity types).
- Religious & Charitable Terms: Names implying a religious or charitable function, such as "Church," "Mosque," or "Charity."
- International & Professional Scopes: Terms like "International," "Global," "Law," or "Engineering."
You need CAC consent when your proposed name contains any of these sensitive terms. The purpose is to ensure legitimacy, prevent public abuse, and avoid infringing on existing rights.
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".
Duration and Exclusivity
According to Section 31(2) of CAMA 2020, an approved business name is reserved exclusively for 60 days. Within this period, no other applicant can register the same name or any name the CAC considers too similar.
This exclusivity gives you priority ownership of the name while you finalize your registration. If you are not ready within the 60 days, you can renew the reservation to keep the name secured.
Withdrawal or Cancellation of Reserved Names
The CAC has the power to withdraw or cancel a reserved name even before full registration is completed. Under Sections 31(3) and 31(5) of CAMA 2020, this may occur if:
The reserved name is later found to be identical or confusingly similar to an existing entity.
The name was obtained through fraud, error, or misleading information.
The reservation was improperly granted or violates CAC’s naming rules.
In such cases, the Commission can revoke the approval to protect fairness, prevent abuse, and maintain the integrity of the register.
Reuse of Names
According to Section 31(4) of CAMA 2020, if a business name becomes available because of a change of name or deregistration, it may be approved for use by another entity. However, this only applies after 60 days from the approval date of the original name change, ensuring a fair waiting period before reuse.
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.
