How to Register a Business Name in Nigeria Step by Step

To register a business name in Nigeria, search for the name on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) portal, reserve it, complete the registration form, upload your documents, pay the fee and download your certificate. The process is done online, and the CAC lists a timeline of 24 hours for business names. Delays usually come from missing or incorrect details, so check your information before you submit. This guide walks through each step, and CMA9ja keeps it updated as the CAC changes its portal.

Many people give up at the first error message and pay an agent instead. You can usually finish the whole process yourself in one sitting if you prepare the documents first.

What you need before you start

• A valid means of identification, such as your National Identification Number (NIN) or international passport.
• A recent passport photograph.
• Two or three possible business names, in case your first choice is taken.
• Your business address.
• A clear description of what the business will do.

First, search and reserve the name

Go to cac.gov.ng and search for your preferred name. The name must not be identical to an existing registered business, and it cannot use restricted words without approval. Restricted words attract a higher fee on the CAC schedule.

When you find an available name, reserve it. Secondary reports say a reservation lasts about 60 days, so move on to registration within that time.

Second, complete the registration form

For a business name, you will complete the BN1 form. Fill in the owner’s details, the business activity and the business address exactly as they appear on your ID. Mistakes here are the most common reason for delays, so read each field before you move on.

Third, upload your documents and pay

Upload your identification and passport photograph, then confirm the details on the summary page. The CAC’s official fee schedule lists business name registration at ₦10,000, but the schedule was revised in 2025 and the figures have been reported differently. Check the amount on the portal before you pay, and save the receipt.

Finally, download your certificate

Once approval is complete, download your certificate from the portal and save a copy in a safe place. Check that the business name, owner details and activity are correct. If something is wrong, contact the CAC before you use the certificate with a bank or client.

What to do after registration

Your business name is only the first step. You will still need a Tax Identification Number and a business bank account, and you may need sector approvals depending on what you sell. Read our guide on starting a business in Nigeria for the next steps in order.

Mistakes to avoid

1. Choosing a name that is too close to an established brand.
2. Using restricted words without checking whether approval is needed.
3. Paying a third party to do something you can do yourself on the official portal.
4. Choosing a business activity that does not match what you actually do.

The name on your certificate is the first impression clients will have of your business, so take a few extra minutes to get it right.

Registering a business name is a small task that makes everything else easier, from opening a bank account to signing contracts. Prepare your documents, follow the steps in order and keep your certificate safe. If you spot an error in this guide, contact us.