If you’re in Nigeria, CAC = Corporate Affairs Commission. Here’s how to register a Business Name (BN) with CAC.
Step-by-step
- Check name availability
- Do a name search on the CAC e-Services portal to make sure your proposed business name isn’t already taken.
- Create or log in to your CAC e-Services account
- Go to CAC’s e-Services site (often services.cac.gov.ng) and create an account if you don’t have one. Verify your email/phone as required.
- Prepare the information you’ll need
- Proposed business name
- Details of the proprietor(s): full name(s), address, occupation, phone, email
- Principal place of business address
- Nature of business (what you will do)
- Date of commencement of business
- For partnerships: names/addresses of all partners
- Means of identification for the proprietor(s) (IDs like National ID, passport, driver’s license)
- Prepare and upload documents
- Valid IDs for each proprietor
- Passport-sized photos (if required)
- Any other documents requested by the portal (check the BN1 form requirements)
- Complete and submit Form BN1 (Application for Registration of a Business Name)
- Fill in all required fields on the BN1 form via the portal. This form is for new BN registrations.
- Pay fees
- The portal will show the applicable fees for name search (if not done), registration, and any other charges. Pay using the available payment options.
- Wait for processing
- CAC will review your submission. If there are issues or clarifications needed, you’ll be contacted. This can take from a day to several days.
- Receive your BN certificate
- If approved, you’ll download or print the Certificate of Registration for your Business Name and the BN certificate with the registration number.
- Post-registration requirements
- File annual returns (update/renewal) to keep the business name active.
- Ensure you comply with tax and regulatory obligations (e.g., tax identification, licenses relevant to your business).
Notes and tips
- Fees vary by year and service type. Check the current fee schedule on the CAC portal.
- You can also hire a CAC-registered agent or lawyer to handle the filing for you if you’d prefer help.
- If your intention is to operate as a company, you might consider registering a company (not just a business name) as the process, requirements, and implications differ.
