In Nigeria’s developing economy, many businesses operate in the country—some legitimate, others not so much. As a customer, investor, or business partner, you need to ascertain if a company is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) legally.
Understanding how to verify a company’s registration assists you in avoiding fraud, conducting due diligence, and making educated decisions when dealing with any company.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to check for a company’s registered status in Nigeria using tools provided by the CAC and what to consider when confirming a business.
Also see: Top Online Courses to Boost Your Career in Nigeria
Importance of Verifying a Company’s Registration
Here are the main reasons to consider when you check if a company is registered, so you can:
- Avoid fraud and scams
- Ensure legitimacy prior to investing or partnership.
- Ensure due diligence is practiced for regulatory compliance.
- Confirm business assertions and legal entity status.
Due diligence ought to be practiced on both the individual and corporate sides.
Where are businesses/companies registered in Nigeria?
All businesses or companies in Nigeria are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)—the government body that is responsible for the regulation and management of companies.
The Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC) manages:
- Business name registrations.
- Limited liability company registrations.
- Incorporated Trustees (NGOs, churches, etc.)
- Public and private companies
To verify registration, you’ll be using CAC’s official Public Search Portal.
Using the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Portal
The Corporate Affairs Commission is the autonomous body in Nigeria responsible for the registration and regulation of companies. Fortunately, the CAC provides an online public search portal that makes it easy for anyone to check company status in Nigeria.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Verify a Company
Follow these steps if you want to check if a company is registered or not.
Step 1: Visit the CAC Public Search Website
The first step is to navigate to the official CAC search portal. Open your web browser and go to:
This is the only official government-sanctioned website for public searches. Be wary of third-party sites that may charge for this service or provide outdated information.
Step 2: Enter the Company Name
Once the website loads, you will see a search bar. Type the full name of the company you want to verify into this bar. For the best results, try to be as accurate as possible. If you are unsure of the exact name, start with what you know. The portal can often find close matches.
Step 3: Click the “Search” Button
After entering the company name, click the “Search” button. The portal will now search its database for any company matching the name you provided.
Step 5: Analyze the Search Results
The portal will display a list of companies that match or are similar to your search query. The results table will show the following details for each company:
- Company Name: The official registered name.
- RC Number (Registration Number): A unique identifier assigned to every registered company.
- Company Type: This could be a Limited Liability Company (LTD), Public Limited Company (PLC), or Business Name (BN).
- Date of Registration: The date the company was officially registered.
- Registered Address: The official address of the company.
- Status: This will show if the company is “Active” or “Inactive.” An active status means the company is compliant with its annual filings.
If the company you are searching for appears in the results with an “Active” status, it is a good sign that it is a legitimate, registered entity.
What to Do If You Cannot Find the Company
Not finding anything in your search? Don’t freak out just yet! There are a few possible reasons why this might be the case:
- Spelling Mistakes: Take a look at the spelling of the company name. The search engine won’t find the proper name if there are inaccuracies. And if you are unsure, you can try some spelling variations.
- Wrong Name: The business might be using a name other than the legal business name. In this case, you should try asking for the properly registered name of the business.
- Company Is Not Registered: If you are confident that the name is accurate, and there are still no results, the company is probably just not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. This is a huge red flag.
Other Ways to Confirm the Legitimacy of A Business
Apart from the basic CAC search, there are other things you can look into, to be extra sure about a company’s legitimacy.
- Ask For The RC Number: A legitimate company won’t mind you asking for its Registration (RC) Number. From there, you can search using the RC number for precise results.
- Check for Online Presence: Start by seeking out any professional website, active social media accounts, and online reviews. Keep in mind that this may be incomplete, and having no digital presence at all is a cause for concern.
- Verify Physical Address: If you are able, verify that the company’s registered address is a real and physical location.
- References: Ask for references.
Benefits of Registering a Company in Nigeria
If you’re a business owner, registering your company with CAC:
- Builds trust with clients and investors
- Enables access to loans and grants
- Allows you to open a corporate bank account
- Ensures legal protection for your business name
- Makes you tax-compliant and eligible for tenders or contracts
FAQs – How to Check if a Company is Registered in Nigeria
How to check whether a company is registered or not?
Go to the CAC public search using the CAC portal: https://icrp.cac.gov.ng/public-search type the business name or the RC number of the company you want to check whether it is registered or not.
Can I check a company’s CAC registration for free?
Yes. The CAC Public Search Portal is free and open to the public.
What is an RC Number?
An RC Number (Registration Certificate Number) is a unique identifier for every registered company in Nigeria.
Can a business operate in Nigeria without CAC registration?
Technically, yes – but it’s illegal for such a business to operate as a company or engage in contracts under a business name without registration.
Conclusion: Check if that company is registered before you trust!
A few minutes are all it takes to check a company’s registration status in Nigeria. This simple task can help you avoid a lot of hassle and financial loss. The CAC online portal has made it easy. With the official search tool and a few search parameters, you can identify a genuine company from a fraudulent one.
Investments and partnerships are important, and so is your peace of mind. Always make verification a mandatory step in your business dealings.
With the CAC online portal, verifying a company’s registration status in Nigeria is fast, free, and easy. No matter your status, whether partner, consumer, or investor, you can dodge scams and make sure you’re working with a legitimate company.
Due diligence is your first line of defense in the business world, so make it a priority.