How to Register a Business in Nigeria (Step-by-Step Guide for 2025)

Starting a business in Nigeria no be beans, but registering am? That one fit even be easier than you think — once you sabi the steps. Whether you dey sell clothes online, run a tech startup, or you dey bake cakes for a living, getting your business registered legit go make people take you serious, and e fit even open doors to bank loans and partnerships.

So make we break am down — no grammar, just real talk.

 1. Choose Your Business Name

This na the first step. Think am well. Your business name go represent your brand, so pick something unique and meaningful.

Do a quick name search online via the [CAC Public Search](https://search.cac.gov.ng/home).

Make sure say nobody don register the name already.

Get like 2-3 name options just in case.

Pro Tip:No use popular names like “Blessing Ventures” or “Divine Favour Enterprises” — e get like 10,000 of dem already!

2. Decide the Type of Business Structure

You fit register under:

Business Name (Enterprise) – for small hustles or sole proprietors.

Limited Liability Company (LTD) – if una be team or you wan go big.

Incorporated Trustees– for NGOs, churches, or associations.

Most people dey go for Business Name because e cheap and simple to run.

 3. Do a Name Reservation (Reserve Your Name)

Once you get your name, go CAC’s website and reserve am.

Visit [pre.cac.gov.ng](https://pre.cac.gov.ng)

Create account and fill your details

Pay small token (about N500)

Wait 24–48 hours to get approval

Once dem approve am, gbedu don start.

4. Fill the Business Registration Form

After name don reserve, you go:

Fill out the registration form online

Provide your business address, nature of business, and your personal details

Upload valid ID (National ID, Voter's card, Driver’s License or Passport)

Add passport photo

Small tip: Make sure say all your details match your ID to avoid wahala.

5. Pay the Registration Fee

Business name registration dey cost around N10,000. For Limited Liability Company, na from N20,000 upward depending on your share capital.

You fit pay directly on the CAC portal via Remita.

 6. Download Your Certificate

After payment and submission, CAC go process your application. If everything go well, in a few working days (sometimes 3–7 days), you go receive:

Certificate of Registration

Status Report (This na your business summary)

Download am, print am, and frame am if you like — you be legit business owner now yes o

 7. What Next After Registration?

Open a business account (banks go need your certificate)

Get your Tax Identification Number (TIN) – free from FIRS

Register with SMEDAN if you like

Build your brand online — create social media handles, maybe even a website

FAQs (You Fit Dey Wonder...)

1. I no get laptop, I fit still register?

Yes o. Use your phone — CAC site dey mobile friendly.

2. I fit use cyber cafe?

Why not? Just make sure say you dey watch wetin dem fill.

3. I no sabi anything, who fit help me?

You fit hire a CAC agent or lawyer. Or if na you dey run your hustle online, slide into MVP Boost inbox — we sabi all these things.

Also, check out this related post: Dey Miss Plenty Things Because of This for more insights.

Conclusion:

To register your business for Naija no be rocket science. Just follow the steps and you dey good. E fit take small patience, but the reward worth am. Once you register, you go dey sleep with two eyes closed — nobody fit chase you say you dey operate illegal business.

If this guide help you, share am. Person wey need am fit dey your timeline right now.

And abeg, no dull — subscribe to [mvpgist.com.ng](https://www.mvpgist.com.ng) to get more no-stress business and hustle tips. We dey drop gist wey go help your pocket run things steady.