How to Register a Business Name in Nigeria: Step-by-Step 2026 Guide

Registering a business name is the first step toward building a credible brand in Nigeria. In 2026, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has made this process entirely digital through their Company Registration Portal (CRP). This guide breaks down the process into seven simple steps.

1. Public Name Search

Before spending money on a reservation, use the free FastCAC Name Marketplace or the CAC public search portal to see if your desired name is available. You should have at least two unique names ready just in case your first choice is rejected.

Pro Tip:

Avoid generic names like "Global Ventures" or "Modern Services" as they are almost certainly taken or too common for approval.

2. Account Creation

Visit icrp.cac.gov.ng and create an account. If you are registering as an individual (proprietor), you don't need a lawyer or accredited agent; you can act as your own "Presenter."

3. Application Details

Once logged in, navigate to "New Registration." You'll need to provide:

Nature of Business (e.g., General Contracts, Retail, ICT Services).
A verifiable physical address in Nigeria.
Proprietor details (Name, residential address).

4. Requirements Checklist

For 2026, the CAC requires high-quality digital scans of:

A valid government-issued ID (International Passport, Driver’s License, or NIN Card).
Passport photograph.
Digital signature of the proprietor.

Detailed requirements can be found in our 2026 Requirements Guide.

5. Fee Payment

As of 2026, the statutory filing fee for a Business Name is ₦10,000. However, when including name reservation (₦500) and Remita charges, the total cost is approximately ₦10,661.25.

Full cost transparency is available in our 2026 Fee Breakdown.

6. Submission & Review

After payment, your application will be reviewed by a CAC registrar. This usually takes between 1 to 7 working days. Check your dashboard daily for any "Queries" if the registrar needs more information.

7. Certificate Download

Once approved, you can download your Certificate of Incorporation and the Certified True Copy (CTC) of your business details directly from the portal. Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) is now automatically generated and included on the certificate!

Ready to start?

Skip the manual stress and let FastCAC handle your full registration, logo, and website for one flat fee.

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Sources & Further Reading:

Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Nigeria - cac.gov.ng
CAMA 2020 Compliance Manual for Small Businesses
Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) TIN Guidelines 2026