Before you print branded stationery or build a website, there is one non-negotiable legal step: you must reserve your business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). This prevents competitors from taking your corporate identity and grants you 60 days of legal exclusivity to complete your registration. The CAC upgraded digital system enables you to lock down your preferred name through a few simple steps from your phone or laptop.
Steps to Reserve Your Business Name on the CAC Portal
1. Create and Verify Your iCRP Portal Profile
Start by visiting the official portal (icrp.cac.gov.ng). Click on “Create Account” or log into your existing dashboard. Ensure that your personal profile details such as your full legal name, phone number, and National Identification Number (NIN) match your government-issued identification exactly. Not having the right details can cause delays in the final submission process.
2. Run a Public Availability Name Search
Before you start your application, use the CAC name search feature on the website to see if your desired business name is vacant. The CAC system will automatically reject your name if it is identical or similar to already existing registered business names. Doing this saves you a lot of time and application fees.
3. Submit the Name Reservation Application
Log into your dashboard, select “Name Reservation,” and click on “New Application”
Choose your business classification and input the necessary information such as your proposed business name. It is best practice to prepare an alternative name option so CAC can process your second choice if your first choice is restricted.
4. Complete Payment via Remita
Review your application summary and proceed to the payment portal. The portal automatically routes you to Remita to pay instantly using your Nigerian debit card, internet banking, or USSD code. The transaction will reflect on your dashboard in real time.
5. Download Your Availability Approval and AV Code
Once processed and approved, CAC generates a Name Availability Approval document on your dashboard. This document contains your unique Approval Validation (AV) Code, which reserves your business name exclusively for 60 days.
Skip the Stress: Reserve and Register Faster with BeeBot
BeeBot makes securing your business name and complete incorporation completely hassle-free:
- Error-Free Submissions: Automated compliance tools check your application details before filing, protecting your submission from frustrating CAC rejections.
- Ultra-Fast Turnaround: Receive your official CAC availability, registration status report, and business certificate in as little as 24–48 hours.
- All-in-One Setup: Reserve your verified name, generate an integrated Tax Identification Number (TIN), and set up a corporate bank account—all from a single, intuitive dashboard.
Don’t let manual paperwork slow down your dream enterprise. Contact us at BeeBot today to reserve a CAC-verified business name and launch with total confidence!