How To Check If A Business Is Registered With Cac In Nigeria
In Nigeria today, one of the most vital steps before entering into any form of business transaction—whether you're investing, partnering, or simply buying a product—is to confirm that the business you're dealing with is registered. Thanks to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), checking the registration status of a company has become easy, transparent, and accessible to everyone.
Whether you’re a curious customer, a potential investor, or a new business owner trying to verify your own registration, this post will walk you through every possible method to verify a business's CAC status in Nigeria. So grab a chilled drink, settle in, and let’s go through this essential guide in true Nigerian fashion—straight to the point, but with a little gist along the way.
What is CAC and Why Is It Important?
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is the regulatory body in charge of registering and regulating companies and businesses in Nigeria. Established under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), CAC ensures that every business complies with Nigerian laws before they can officially operate.
Being registered with CAC means a business:
Is recognized by law
Can open corporate bank accounts
Can enter into valid contracts
Is more trustworthy in the eyes of clients, customers, and potential investors
Now that we’ve gotten the background out of the way, let’s move to the real matter—how can you check if a business is truly registered with CAC?
Why You Should Check a Business’s CAC Status
Before you transfer your hard-earned money or enter any partnership, it’s smart to verify the legitimacy of the business. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Avoid scams and fraud – Not all businesses out there are legit. Some are operated by fraudsters using fake names.
2. Build trust – Verifying registration helps you determine how serious and professional a business is.
3. Business transparency – Registered businesses have their directors and registration numbers listed.
4. Ease of legal action – If something goes wrong, it’s easier to take legal action against a registered business than an unregistered one.
Methods to Check If a Business Is Registered With CAC
There are two main ways to verify a business's CAC registration in Nigeria:
Online (via CAC’s official website)
Offline (physical inquiry at a CAC office)
Let’s break down each method.
1. How to Check CAC Registration Status Online
The fastest and easiest way to check if a business is registered with CAC is to use the CAC Public Search Tool on their official website.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Visit the CAC Public Search Portal
Go to https://search.cac.gov.ng
This portal is free and accessible from any device with internet access. No need to open an account or log in.
Step 2: Enter the Business Name
In the search bar, type the full or partial name of the business you want to verify.
For instance, if you want to check "ABC Clothing Nigeria Limited", just type "ABC Clothing" and hit search.
Step 3: Review the Results
The system will display a list of businesses that match your search term. For each result, you’ll see:
Registered Business Name
Registration Number
Company Type (e.g., Limited, Business Name, Incorporated Trustees)
Registration Date
Business Status (e.g., Active, Inactive, Undergoing Post-Incorporation Changes)
Step 4: Verify the Details
Cross-check the registration number and name with what the business gave you. If the name doesn’t appear or has no registration number, the business is likely not registered—or they used a different official name.
Common Scenarios and What to Do
Scenario 1: No result found
Double-check the spelling of the business name.
Try using partial words or remove “Ltd,” “Limited,” or “Nig.”
If still no results, the business is likely unregistered.
Scenario 2: Business is listed but marked Inactive
This could mean they haven’t filed annual returns or completed a CAC requirement. Approach with caution.
2. How to Verify a Business Offline (CAC Office)
If you don’t have access to the internet or want a more official confirmation (e.g., for legal reasons or serious transactions), you can visit any CAC office in Nigeria.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Locate the Nearest CAC Office
Visit the CAC branch closest to you. You can find their offices in all 36 states and the FCT.
Step 2: Submit a Request
Inform the officer on duty that you’d like to verify a business. You’ll be asked to provide:
The name of the business
Possibly, the state of registration or date (if you know it)
Step 3: Pay a Small Administrative Fee (Optional)
In some cases, especially when requesting certified true copies or official documentation, you may need to pay a token (₦1,000–₦5,000 depending on your request).
Step 4: Get the Result
The CAC staff will help you verify the status and provide official confirmation if needed.
Extra Tips for Business Owners
If you’re a new entrepreneur or SME owner, here’s why verifying your own registration is also crucial:
It confirms your business is active in the system.
You’ll detect errors or typos early and can file for corrections.
It gives you peace of mind when opening a business bank account or dealing with government contracts.
To go a step further, you can also request your CAC Certificate and Status Report, both of which serve as proof that your company is legally registered and compliant.
What to Watch Out For
Even though CAC makes it easy to verify businesses, you still need to be vigilant. Here are some red flags:
The business refuses to provide a CAC number
Every registered business in Nigeria is given a unique RC number (for companies) or BN number (for business names). If someone says “we’re registered” but can’t show a certificate or give a CAC number, run!
No online footprint
If you search the business name on CAC and it doesn’t appear, and they have no website or verifiable social media, be suspicious.
Fake certificates
Scammers sometimes photoshop fake CAC certificates. Don’t just look at the paper—go online and confirm the RC/BN number matches what’s on CAC's database.
Bonus: How to Confirm a CAC Certificate Is Genuine
Let’s say someone sends you a CAC certificate and you're not sure if it’s real. Here's how to confirm:
1. Look for the RC or BN number on the certificate.
2. Enter the number into the CAC public search tool (https://search.cac.gov.ng).
3. If the business comes up and the name matches the certificate, it’s likely authentic.
Still not convinced? Visit a CAC office for a Status Report—a document that confirms all legal details of a registered business.
Summary: Key Takeaways
Always confirm the registration of any business you plan to engage with.
Use the CAC Public Search tool: https://search.cac.gov.ng.
Verify details like registration number, business status, and official name.
Visit a CAC office if you need a physical check or official document.
Don’t be afraid to walk away from a business that can’t provide proof of registration.
Final Thoughts
In Nigeria’s ever-growing business ecosystem, trust and legality go hand in hand. Whether you're buying online, investing in a startup, or planning a corporate partnership, taking five minutes to verify a business with CAC can save you from heartbreak, fraud, or major financial loss.
Think of it as due diligence—or what our Naija people like to call "shine your eye well well." The tools are there, the process is free and simple, and there’s no excuse for falling into avoidable traps. So next time someone says “we are CAC registered,” don’t just take their word for it—check and confirm!