Starting a business in Nigeria comes with excitement—and a fair share of paperwork. One of the first steps every business owner takes is registering their business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
But the million-naira question is:
How long does it actually take to get your business name approved?
If you’ve asked this, you’re not alone—and the answer might surprise you.
In this blog, we’ll break it down for you:
- How the process works
- Timelines (realistic ones!)
- What can delay your approval
- And how to make sure things go smoothly
Let’s dive in.
First Things First: What is a Business Name Approval?
When you register a business in Nigeria, you can’t just pick any name and run with it.
Your desired name must first be checked and approved by the CAC to ensure:
- It’s not already taken
- It doesn’t violate any laws
- It’s not misleading or offensive
This first stage is called “Name Reservation” or “Name Availability Search.” Once it’s approved, you can proceed to register it officially.
So, How Long Does Name Approval Take?
Typically, it takes between 24 to 72 hours (1–3 working days) to get a business name approved by the CAC.
But—there are a few things that can make it go faster or slower.
What Makes the Process Faster?
- Choosing a unique name (something less likely to be taken)
- Submitting via a trusted CAC-accredited agent or service
- Submitting your application early in the day (before 11AM)
- Having all your info and documents ready to go
At MARB Corporate, we’ve had many names approved within 24 hours—sometimes even the same day.
What Can Slow It Down or Delay It?
- Choosing a name that is too generic or already in use
- Using restricted terms like “Government,” “Bank,” or “Group” without proper permissions
- Public holidays (like Sallah or Independence Day)
- Technical glitches on the CAC portal (yes, they happen!)
- Submitting through unverified third-party services
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Process
Let’s walk through how it works so you’re prepared:
1. Name Availability Search
You submit two preferred business names for approval via the CAC portal.
Time: 1–3 working days
Pro Tip: Use something unique and specific to your niche. “Blessed Ventures” will likely be rejected—it’s too common.
2. Name Reservation (if approved)
Once a name is approved, it gets “reserved” for 60 days. You must complete your business registration within that time.
3. Business Registration
After approval, the next step is completing your registration with the CAC.
This process can take 3–5 working days, depending on whether all information and documents are correct.
Total Estimated Time for Business Name Registration
Step | Time |
Name Approval | 1–3 working days |
Business Registration | 3–5 working days |
Total Duration | 4–8 working days |
Note: Weekends and public holidays don’t count. Also, if there are errors or name rejections, the process resets.
Quick Tips to Get Your Business Name Approved Faster
- Avoid common names like “Divine Ventures” or “Success Enterprises”
- Add a unique word or industry keyword (e.g., “Greenline Agro Services”)
- Don’t use sensitive words unless authorized (like “National” or “Group”)
- Work with an expert—let them handle the technical stuff while you focus on building your business
But Wait—Why Does This Even Matter?
Registering your business name is more than just a formality. It’s:
- Proof that your business is legal
- A requirement for opening a corporate bank account
- Often needed to apply for grants, loans, and contracts
- Your first step to protecting your brand
And here’s a bonus: clients trust a registered business more. It makes you look professional—even if you’re just getting started.
Need Help? Let MARB Corporate Handle It for You
At MARB Corporate, we’ve helped hundreds of Nigerian entrepreneurs like you register their businesses quickly and correctly.
We handle:
- Name search and approval
- Full CAC registration
- SCUML certification (if required)
- Business compliance and advisory
Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been procrastinating, we’re here to make it easy.
Send a message with “REGISTER ME” on WhatsApp and we’ll get you started today.
Whatsapp Number: +234 80 832 401 93
Email: marbconcepts@gmail.com
Conclusion
So, how long does it take to get your business name approved in Nigeria?
On average: 1–3 working days
But with the right help, it could be even faster.
The best time to register your business was yesterday. The next best time? Now.