Before registering a business or company in Nigeria, one of the most crucial steps is checking whether your preferred name is available with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The CAC name availability search ensures that no two businesses operate under the same or confusingly similar names in Nigeria.
which allows entrepreneurs to check, reserve, and eventually register their chosen names without visiting a CAC office physically.
Why Checking CAC Name Availability is Important
Business names are not just identifiers—they represent branding, legal ownership, and corporate identity.
Checking if a name is available in CAC is essential for several reasons:
- Legal Uniqueness: Nigerian law prohibits businesses from using identical or deceptively similar names.
- Brand Protection: It prevents disputes and protects your brand identity from infringement.
- Smooth Registration: Ensures your application is not rejected due to name conflict.
- Corporate Identity: A verified name helps establish credibility with banks, investors, and customers.
Steps to Check if a Name is Available in CAC
The CAC has streamlined its process for name availability search through its digital platforms.
Below is a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the official CAC website at www.cac.gov.ng.
- Click on the Online Services section and select Public Search.
- You will be redirected to pre.cac.gov.ng, the dedicated CAC registration portal.
- Choose the option to search for a business name or company name.
- Type in your desired name and click on the search button.
- Review the results to see if the name is already in use or if it is available for reservation.
If the name is available, you can proceed to reserve it online. Reservation guarantees that no one else can use the name for 60 days,
giving you time to complete the registration process.
Tips for Choosing a Unique Business Name
To increase the chances of your name being accepted, consider the following tips:
- Avoid common or generic names like “Best Enterprise” or “Global Ventures.”
- Use distinctive and creative combinations of words.
- Ensure the name aligns with your brand vision and industry.
- Avoid restricted terms such as “National,” “Federal,” “Government,” unless special approval is obtained.
- Consider using initials, acronyms, or coined words that stand out.
How to Reserve a Business Name with CAC
Once you confirm that your preferred name is available, you can reserve it immediately.
The reservation process involves:
- Logging into the CAC registration portal via pre.cac.gov.ng.
- Creating an account with your email address and phone number.
- Selecting New Name Reservation.
- Filling in your proposed names (usually two alternatives are required).
- Paying the reservation fee online.
- Waiting for approval, which usually takes 24–72 hours.
Upon approval, you will receive a Name Reservation Notice, which you can use in your business or company registration.
Read Also: Requirements for CAC Business Registration In Nigeria 2025
Common Reasons a CAC Name Reservation May Be Rejected
Not all name applications are approved. Some common rejection reasons include:
- The name is too similar to an existing registered business.
- The name contains restricted or prohibited words.
- The name is misleading, offensive, or contrary to public policy.
- The application was incomplete or had typographical errors.
To avoid rejection, ensure you double-check spelling and comply with CAC’s naming guidelines.
Business Name vs Company Name Search
It’s important to note that checking for a business name and checking for a company name are slightly different processes:
- Business Name: Typically used for sole proprietorships or partnerships, easier to reserve.
- Company Name: Used for Limited Liability Companies (LLC) or Public Limited Companies (PLC), which require additional documentation like Memorandum and Articles of Association.
In both cases, the first step remains confirming availability on the CAC portal.
Integration of CAC Name Search with Other Agencies
As of 2025, CAC has integrated its system with other Nigerian government agencies to ensure seamless business verification.
For example:
- Linkage with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for tax compliance.
- Integration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for biometric verification.
- Collaboration with banks to simplify corporate account openings once a name is reserved and registered.
Benefits of Checking CAC Name Availability Before Registration
Ensuring your chosen business name is available before registering offers multiple benefits:
- Saves time by avoiding multiple rejections and delays.
- Provides assurance that your business identity is unique.
- Facilitates faster processing of your registration application.
- Strengthens your brand and corporate image from the start.
Conclusion
Checking if a name is available in CAC is the foundation of any successful business registration in Nigeria.
Through the CAC online portal, entrepreneurs in 2025 can quickly verify, reserve, and secure business names,
ensuring compliance with Nigerian laws and protecting their brand identity.
By following the right steps and adhering to CAC guidelines, you can avoid unnecessary delays, establish a credible corporate identity,
and position your business for long-term growth.
