If you’ve searched online for how much it costs to register a business name with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), you’ve probably noticed something frustrating: every website seems to quote a different number. Here’s what’s actually going on, and how to budget for it.
Explain it like I’m 5
Getting CAC registration is like getting an official name tag for your business — it tells the government, banks and everyone else that your business is really yours, and not just an idea in your head. Just like a name tag, it costs a small fee to get one made, but exactly how much depends on where you go to get it made and whether you do it yourself or pay someone to do it for you.
The News
Multiple sources report different current CAC fees for registering a Business Name — figures range from about ₦11,000 to ₦20,000-plus, depending on the source and when it was published. A CAC fee gazette update reportedly raised business name registration to around ₦20,000, but other current breakdowns put the minimum cost at ₦11,000 (₦1,000 for name reservation plus ₦10,000 for registration). The honest answer is: confirm the live figure on the official CAC portal before you pay — this is one area where the numbers genuinely change and third-party sites don’t always keep up.
The Numbers
Based on current published breakdowns, here’s roughly what to budget for a Business Name registration (not a full Limited Liability Company, which costs more and follows a different fee structure):
- Name reservation: ₦500 – ₦1,000
- Registration/filing fee: ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 (varies by source and date)
- Payment gateway charge: roughly ₦160 per transaction
- DIY total (doing it yourself online): roughly ₦11,000 – ₦21,000
- Using an accredited agent: roughly ₦20,000 – ₦45,000, all-in
The Explanation
CAC periodically updates its official fee schedule, and when it does, there’s usually a lag before every website, blog and agent updates their published pricing to match. That’s the main reason you’ll find such a wide spread of numbers when you search. Agents also typically bundle their own service fee on top of the official CAC charge, which is why agent-assisted registration costs noticeably more than doing it yourself.
The Impact
If you’re formalising a side hustle or small business, this matters for two reasons: your registration budget could be off by a factor of two or more if you rely on an outdated quote, and the DIY-vs-agent decision is really a trade-off between money and time (and how comfortable you are navigating a government portal yourself).
A Real-Life Example
A Lagos tailor formalising her business might pay roughly ₦11,000–₦15,000 doing the registration herself through the CAC portal over a free afternoon, or pay an agent around ₦25,000–₦30,000 to handle the whole process — including any back-and-forth — while she keeps working.
Your Options
- Do it yourself via the CAC’s official online portal — cheaper, but requires your own time and some comfort navigating a government website.
- Use an accredited CAC agent — costs more, but saves time and can reduce the risk of errors that delay approval.
- Always confirm the live fee on the official CAC portal or company registration portal before paying anyone, agent or otherwise.
One important distinction: this article covers Business Name registration — the common first step for solo entrepreneurs and small businesses. Registering a full Limited Liability Company (Ltd) involves additional and higher fees, which we’ll cover in a separate piece.
What to Watch
CAC fee schedules get revised periodically. If you’re planning to register a few months from now, don’t lock in your budget based on this article alone — check the live fee on the CAC portal close to when you actually plan to pay.
Sources
- Overview of CAC Registration Costs in Nigeria — AFSIC
- Everything you need to budget for CAC registration fees in Nigeria in 2026 — Legit.ng
- CAC Registration Cost in Nigeria 2026: Business Name vs Limited Company Fee Breakdown — SmartSMSSolutions
- How Much Does CAC Registration Cost in Nigeria (2026)? — Subpadi
- CAC Registration Cost in Nigeria 2026: The Complete Fee Breakdown — CAC Register Nigeria
This article explains published fee information and is not legal or financial advice — see our Disclaimer. Government fees change; always verify the current amount on the official CAC portal before paying.
FAQ
Is CAC registration the same as getting a Tax Identification Number (TIN)?
No. CAC registration and TIN registration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are separate steps — TIN registration typically comes after CAC registration and is usually free.
Do I need a lawyer to register a business name?
No. You can register directly through the CAC portal yourself. Many people choose to use an agent for convenience, not because it’s legally required.
Why do quoted CAC prices vary so much between websites?
CAC updates its fee schedule periodically, and not every website updates its published pricing right away. Always check the official CAC portal for the current fee before paying.
