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How to Register a Business Name in Nigeria in 24 Hours

How to Register a Business Name in Nigeria in 24 Hours

Home › How to Register a Business Name in Nigeria in 24 Hours
A young CAC official, working in their office.
How to Register a Business Name in Nigeria in 24 Hours


Posted by Small Business 247 Team | November 13, 2025

Starting a business in Nigeria is an exciting venture, but getting it legally recognized doesn't have to be a headache. As a small business owner, you know time is money—especially when you're hustling to launch your side gig or scale up your passion project. That's why we're breaking down how to register your business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in as little as 24 hours. Thanks to the CAC's fully online Company Registration Portal (CRP), this process is now faster, paperless, and entrepreneur-friendly.

In this guide, tailored for small business owners like you, we'll walk through the steps, requirements, costs, and pro tips to get your business name approved and certified without the delays. Whether you're a sole proprietor selling handmade crafts or partnering up for a local service, registering protects your brand, builds trust with customers, and opens doors to loans and grants. Let's dive in!


Small Business Growth and Finance, office. Registered under C.A.C.


Why Register Your Business Name with CAC? (Quick Wins for Small Businesses)

Before we hit the how-to, here's why skipping this step could cost you more than the filing fee:

  • Legal Protection: Your name becomes exclusive—no one else in Nigeria can use it, shielding you from copycats.
  • Credibility Boost: Customers, banks, and suppliers trust registered businesses more. Flash that certificate on your socials or storefront!
  • Access to Opportunities: Need a business bank account? Loans from microfinance banks? Registration is often required.
  • Avoid Penalties: Unregistered ops can lead to fines up to ₦5,000 for small businesses, plus headaches down the line.

With the CRP's AI-powered checks and end-to-end digital flow, approvals that used to take weeks can now wrap up in 24 hours if you prep right. Perfect for that weekend warrior ready to go live by Monday.

What You'll Need: Keep It Simple and Digital

No need for a lawyer or accountant—sole proprietors can DIY this. Gather these essentials upfront (scan them as PDFs or JPEGs for upload):

  • Personal ID: National Identification Number (NIN), Voter's Card, Driver's License, International Passport, or Birth Certificate.
  • Passport Photo: A clear, recent digital photo (white background, professional vibe).
  • Business Details: Proposed business name (3 options, just in case), your full address (physical Nigerian location for official mail), nature of business (e.g., "retail clothing sales"), and start date.
  • Payment Method: Debit card or bank transfer for fees (Remita-integrated on the portal).
  • Email & Phone: For CAC notifications and your login.

Pro Tip: Test your internet—rural spots might need a café or hotspot. Total prep time: 30 minutes.


A Staff  in a C.A.C registered Small Business 247 office in Lagos 


Step-by-Step Guide: Register in 24 Hours Flat

Head to the official CAC portal at publicsearch.cac.gov.ng for name checks, then www.cac.gov.ng to create an account on the CRP. Log in with your email, and let's roll. Aim to start early morning for same-day processing.

Step 1: Conduct a Name Availability Search (10-15 Minutes)

  • Log into the Public Search portal.
  • Enter your 3 proposed names (e.g., "NaijaThreads Boutique").
  • Pay ₦700 per name search via Remita (total ₦2,100 max).
  • Hit submit—results email in 24 hours, but often within hours if submitted before 5 PM.

Tip: Avoid restricted words like "National," "Federal," or "Cooperative." Keep it unique and brandable—think SEO for your online shop.

Step 2: Reserve Your Approved Name (5 Minutes)

  • Once approved, log back into CRP.
  • Select "Business Name Registration" and choose your winning name.
  • Fill CAC Form BN01 (pre-registration form) with your details—no notary needed.

Step 3: Upload Documents and Complete the Form (20 Minutes)

  • Attach your scanned ID, photo, and business description.
  • Specify if it's a sole proprietorship or partnership (add partner details if applicable).
  • Declare your business nature and address—keep it honest to avoid rejections.

Step 4: Pay the Filing Fees (5 Minutes)

  • Official CAC fee: ₦10,000 (flat for business names).
  • Stamp duty: ₦500.
  • Remita bank charges: ₦1,500.
  • Grand Total: Around ₦12,000 (pay online—no cash runs to the bank).
  • Generate your payment slip and upload proof.

Step 5: Submit and Wait for Approval (Hands-Off: 24 Hours Max)

  • Review everything, sign digitally, and submit.
  • CAC reviews automatically—expect an email with your Certificate of Registration and Certified True Copies (CTC) within 24 hours if no issues.
  • Download your e-certificate from the portal. Print it for that wall cred!

If it's a partnership, add partner consent forms, but the timeline stays snappy.

Costs Breakdown: Budget-Friendly for Bootstrappers

Item Cost (₦) Notes
Name Search (per name) 700 Up to 3 names
Filing Fee 10,000 Core registration
Stamp Duty 500 Government tax
Bank/Remita Charges 1,500 Processing
Total ~12,000 No hidden fees

Optional: Third-party agents like Moniepoint or Bumpa charge ₦19,000 for app-based help if DIY feels overwhelming. But hey, save that cash for inventory!

Potential Hiccups and How to Dodge Them

  • Name Rejection? Have backups ready—resubmit same day.
  • Document Glitches? Ensure scans are clear (under 2MB files).
  • Delays Beyond 24 Hours? Weekends/public holidays slow things; check status on the portal.
  • Foreign Owners? Business names are for locals—opt for a company if you're international.

If stuck, CAC's helpline (092963700) or chat support is gold. For partnerships, double-check consents to avoid bounces.

Wrapping Up: Launch Legally, Hustle Smarter

Boom—you're official! That CAC certificate isn't just paper; it's your ticket to scaling without stress. Print it, share it on Instagram ("Just went legit! 🚀"), and open that business account today. Small businesses thrive when they're protected, so don't wait—24 hours from now, your empire could be registered.

Got questions or a success story? Drop a comment below or hit us up on Twitter @SmallBiz247NG. For more tips on invoicing, marketing, and growth hacks, subscribe to Small Business 247. Let's build Nigeria's next big thing, one registered name at a time.

Small Business 247 is your go-to blog for practical advice on starting and scaling in Naija. Check us out at small-business-247.blogspot.com.

Internal links

1. Risks of starting and running a cooking gas Refilling plant in Nigeria.

2. 8 emerging future billionaires in nigeria according to Forbes. And their companies. 


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Sources: Official CAC guidelines and entrepreneur resources as of November 2025.


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Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | Tags: starting a business,