Please note
Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with the CAC. This is general information, not legal or financial advice — register and manage your business only on the official CAC portals (pre.cac.gov.ng and post.cac.gov.ng) and pay through official channels. You can register a business name or a simple company yourself; for complex structures consider a professional. Beware clone sites and agents charging inflated fees.
Why the name step matters
CAC does not allow duplicate names, so before anything else you must confirm your proposed name is available and reserve it. This is the first step of every registration.
How to search & reserve
- Create/sign in on pre.cac.gov.ng.
- Use the availability check (CAC 1) to search your proposed name.
- If available, reserve it and pay the reservation fee.
Reservation & hold period
Reservation costs about ₦500 and holds the name for 60 days, giving you time to complete the full application before anyone else can claim it.
Restricted words
Some words/suffixes are restricted (e.g. “Federal”, “National”, “Ltd”, “Gte”) and need approval or a specific structure — factor this into your name choice.
Why names get rejected
- Already taken or too similar to an existing name.
- Contains a restricted/misleading word without approval.
- Poorly formed or against naming rules.
Always have one or two alternatives ready.
Tips
- Prepare alternative names before searching.
- Reserve, then complete registration within 60 days.
- Keep names distinctive to avoid rejection.
Checking availability first
Before any registration, you conduct a name search on the CAC portal to check your proposed name is available and acceptable. This is the essential first step for every entity type — there's no point preparing an application around a name someone already holds or that CAC won't allow. A good practice is to have two or three alternatives ready, since your first choice may be taken. The search tells you whether you can proceed with a name or need to think again before spending time and money on the full application.
Reserving your approved name
Once a name is approved as available, you reserve it for a limited period (commonly around 60 days) for a small fee — this holds the name so no one else can take it while you complete your registration. Reservation is cheap relative to the whole process, and it protects your chosen identity during the gap between deciding and finishing. Use the reservation window to get your documents and details in order, and complete the registration before the reservation lapses, or you may have to reserve again.
Why names get rejected
Names are commonly rejected or queried for a few reasons: being identical or too similar to an existing registered name; containing prohibited words (as set out in CAMA); or using restricted words that require special consent/approval. To avoid rejection, choose a name that's distinctive, steer clear of implying regulated activities you're not licensed for, and check the rules on restricted terms. If your name is rejected, adjust it (or seek the required consent) and search again — which is exactly why having alternatives ready saves time.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a business name is available?
On pre.cac.gov.ng, use the availability check (CAC 1) to search your proposed name before reserving it.
How much is CAC name reservation?
About ₦500, which reserves the name for 60 days.
How long does a name reservation last?
60 days — enough time to complete your full registration.
Why was my proposed name rejected?
Usually because it’s already taken or too similar to an existing name, or contains a restricted/misleading word without approval.
Can two businesses have the same name?
No — CAC does not allow duplicate names, which is why the search and reservation step is essential.
Why do I need a CAC name search?
To check your proposed business/company name is available and acceptable before registering — it's the essential first step for every entity type. There's no point preparing an application around a name someone already holds or that CAC won't allow. Have two or three alternatives ready in case your first choice is taken.
How do I reserve a business name with CAC?
After a name search approves availability, reserve it on the CAC portal for a limited period (commonly around 60 days) for a small fee — this holds the name so no one else can take it while you complete registration. Finish the registration before the reservation lapses.
How long does a CAC name reservation last?
Commonly around 60 days — the reservation holds your approved name during the gap between deciding and finishing your registration. Use the window to get your documents in order, and complete registration before it expires or you may have to reserve again.
Why was my business name rejected?
Usually because it's identical or too similar to an existing registered name, contains prohibited words (under CAMA), or uses restricted words that require special consent/approval. Choose a distinctive name, avoid implying regulated activities you're not licensed for, and check the rules on restricted terms.
What makes a good CAC business name?
One that's distinctive (not identical or confusingly similar to existing names), free of prohibited words, and doesn't use restricted terms without the required consent. Having a couple of alternatives ready helps, since your first choice may be unavailable.