Registering a business name is the simplest way for sole proprietors, freelancers, and small partnerships in Nigeria to establish a formal commercial identity. The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) governs this process under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).
Why Register a Business Name?
A registered business name allows you to legalise your transactions, open corporate bank accounts, apply for credit, and gain trust from clients who prefer working with formal entities rather than individuals.
Step 1: Name Selection and reservation
Your business name must be unique. You must select two proposed names and submit them on the CAC portal for availability search and reservation. If approved, the name will be reserved for 60 days. Avoid using restricted words like "National", "Federal", or "Government" unless you have special approval.
Tip: Select names that are distinctive and describe your business activity (e.g., "Bassey Compliance Consult" instead of just "Bassey Consult").
Step 2: Provide Registration Details
Once your name is reserved, you must fill out the registration forms on the portal. You will need to provide:
- Nature of Business: The primary industry or trade you operate in.
- Business Address: A physical location in Nigeria (residential addresses are allowed for business names).
- Proprietor Details: Name, address, phone number, email, and occupation of the owner(s).
Step 3: Document Uploads & Payments
You must upload a valid government-issued ID (NIN slip, International Passport, or Driver's License) and a clear passport photograph of the proprietor(s). Once documents are uploaded, you pay the official government filing fees on the Remita portal.
Step 4: Certificate Generation
After payment, the CAC registry reviews the application. If verified without queries, they will generate your Business Name Certificate (incorporating your BN Registration Number) and Status Report as digital PDFs.