Registering your business in Nigeria is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re selling online, running a POS kiosk, baking from home, or offering tech services, business registration:
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has now made registration easier, faster, and digital. But many new SMEs still make costly mistakes.
This guide walks you through practical tips and steps to successfully register your business in Nigeria without stress.
Here are key benefits:
Benefit | Explanation |
---|---|
💼 Legal Identity | Your business becomes a separate legal entity (especially if you register a company) |
💳 Bank Account Access | You can open a business account with your company name |
📑 Grant & Loan Eligibility | Most government or international funding requires CAC documentation |
🔒 Name Protection | Nobody else can legally use your business name |
🤝 Credibility | Clients, vendors, and partners trust registered businesses more |
Type | Best For | CAC Registration Name Example |
---|---|---|
Business Name (Enterprise) | Solo entrepreneurs, side hustles, small shops | “Amina Fashion House” |
Limited Liability Company | Growth-focused businesses, teams, investors | “Amina Fashion House Ltd” |
Incorporated Trustees (NGO) | Churches, NGOs, Foundations | “Amina Foundation for Girls” |
✅ Most SMEs should start with a Business Name or Limited Liability Company (LLC).
💡 Have 2-3 backup names ready in case your first choice is rejected.
CAC now supports full self-service registration:
🧠 For LLC, you’ll also need a Memorandum & Articles of Association (you can use CAC’s template).
This address will appear on your certificate and be used for correspondence.
You’ll get:
🔐 Scan and save copies in Google Drive or Dropbox for easy access when applying for grants, loans, or partnerships.
With your CAC documents, TIN, and valid ID, you can open a corporate account with banks like:
Benefits:
TIN is important for:
Apply online at https://tin.jtb.gov.ng
Depending on your business type:
These bodies often require CAC documents before registration.
You can always:
Item | Estimated Cost (₦) |
---|---|
Business Name Reservation | 500 |
Business Name Registration | 10,000 – 12,000 |
Limited Liability Company | 25,000 – 30,000+ |
TIN (if not included) | Free |
Corporate Bank Account Setup | Free (varies) |
Registering your SME in Nigeria is simpler and faster than ever before, thanks to CAC’s digital portal. Whether you’re selling online, running a service business, or building a brand, formalizing your business gives you credibility, structure, and access to growth opportunities.
Remember: A registered business is a respected business.
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