How to register your business name in Nigeria: Pick a name, select your category, confirm name availability, gather your documents, fill registration form, pay the fee, submit application, and wait for your certificate.
So, you’ve got a brilliant business idea, maybe a small online shop, a consultancy, or even the next big startup. But before you can officially open your doors in Nigeria, there’s one legal step you can’t skip: registering your business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Don’t worry, you don’t need a law degree to do this. In fact, by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to do, and you’ll be ready to run your business smoothly. Here’s how to register your business name in Nigeria.
How to Register Your Business Name in Nigeria
We’ve broken it down into 9 easy steps.
Step 1: Pick a Name That Stands Out
Your business name is your first impression. Make sure it’s:
- Unique: Don’t copy existing businesses.
- Professional: Something that represents your brand clearly.
- Legal: Avoid restricted words like “Federal” or “Central Bank.”
Have 2–3 backup names ready, in case your first name is taken. You never know which one CAC will approve first.
Step 2: Confirm What You’re Registering
Before you continue on the CAC portal, you need to be sure what type of registration your business requires. This matters because choosing the wrong option can slow things down or force you to start all over again.
If you’re a solo entrepreneur, freelancer, or small business owner just starting out, a Business Name is usually the best option. It’s affordable, quick to register, and perfect for online businesses, side hustles, and service-based work. Most small businesses in Nigeria begin here.
A Company (Limited Liability Company) is better suited for businesses that want to scale quickly, work with investors, or sign contracts with large organizations. This option creates a separate legal identity for your business, which also helps protect your personal assets, but it comes with higher costs and more requirements.
Incorporated Trustees is strictly for non-profit organizations. This includes NGOs, churches, mosques, foundations, and associations formed for charitable, religious, or social purposes. If your goal isn’t profit, this is the category to choose.
Step 3: Check If Your Name Is Available
Before you get too attached to a name, make sure it’s not already taken. Do this:
- Go to the CAC website and search for your business name under business name, company registration, or incorporated trustees, depending on what you’re registering.
- Type in your desired name and hit Search.
- If it’s free, reserve it for 60 days with a small fee of ₦1,000. Keep the reservation confirmation safe.
Step 4: Gather Your Documents
For business name registration, you’ll need:
- A valid ID (National ID, Driver’s License, or Passport)
- Residential and business addresses (your home works!)
- Passport photo (optional, but good to have)
Step 5: Fill Out the Registration Form
- Log in to your CAC account.
- Complete the BN1 Form:
- Business name
- Nature of business
- Owner(s) details
- Business address
- Contact info
- Double-check everything before submitting. Remember that mistakes can slow down approval.
Step 6: Pay the Registration Fee
- Standard fee: ₦10,000
- Payment is online via card or bank transfer.
Read Also: How To Run A Successful Business in Nigeria
Step 7: Submit Your Application
- Submit your completed form on CAC’s portal.
- CAC usually reviews applications within 1–3 business days.
Step 8: Get Your Certificate
- Once approved, you’ll receive your Certificate of Business Name.
- Download and print it—you’re officially a legal business owner!
Step 9: Run Your Business Like a Pro
Congrats, you’ve officially registered your business! But the work doesn’t stop there. Once your business is live, you’ll need to keep track of inventory, manage customers, and even have an online presence.
This is where Elapix comes in. It’s an all-in-one business management tool for SMEs that helps you:
- Track inventory in real time
- Build a mini website for your business
- Manage customers and leads with built-in CRM
In short, Elapix makes running your business simpler, so you can focus on growing it instead of drowning in spreadsheets and paperwork.
Final Thoughts
Registering your business name in Nigeria is the first major step toward turning your dream into a real venture. Once that’s done, having the right tools, like Elapix, keeps you organized, efficient, and ready to scale. Join the waitlist for Elapix here for FREE.
