Why Names Get Rejected

The CAC rejects thousands of business name applications every month. Most rejections are avoidable. Understanding the rules upfront saves you time, money, and frustration.

Here are 10 tips to get your name approved on the first try.

Tip 1: Check Availability Before You Apply

Never skip the name availability check. Even if you think your name is unique, someone else may have registered something similar. Use our [instant name checker](/register) before starting your application.

Tip 2: Be Specific, Not Generic

❌ **Rejected:** "NIGERIA GLOBAL ENTERPRISE"

✅ **Approved:** "MERIDIAN GLOBAL ENTERPRISE"

Generic names get rejected because they're either taken or too vague. Combine a **unique word** with your business activity.

Tip 3: Avoid Restricted Words

The CAC prohibits these categories of words:

Government names: Federal, National, Government, Ministry, Commission, Authority

Security agencies: Army, Navy, Police, Customs

Regulatory bodies: CBN, EFCC, INEC, NNPC

Royalty: Royal, Kingdom (unless you have approval)

Professional titles: Bank, Insurance, Mortgage (requires sector regulator approval)

Tip 4: Don't Copy Existing Brands

Your name cannot be **identical or deceptively similar** to an already-registered business. "DANGOTE FARMS" will be rejected. "DANGOTE" is a protected name.

This applies to global brands too — "APPLE TECHNOLOGY NIGERIA" will be rejected.

Tip 5: Avoid Misleading Names

A tailoring business cannot register as "GLOBAL TECH SOLUTIONS." The CAC checks that your business nature aligns with your name.

Tip 6: Use the Right Suffix

Business Names don't need suffixes like "Ltd" or "PLC" — those are for companies. For Business Names, you can end with:

"ENTERPRISE"

"VENTURES"

"ASSOCIATES"

"GLOBAL"

"SERVICES"

"CONCEPTS"

Tip 7: Submit 3 Name Options

The CAC allows up to 3 name choices in order of preference. Always submit all 3. If your first choice is taken, the CAC will automatically check your second.

**Pro tip:** Vary them significantly — don't just change one word. Have completely different names as backup.

Tip 8: Check Spelling Carefully

Once submitted, name corrections require a fresh application and fresh fees. Double-check:

Spelling of every word

No extra spaces

Proper capitalization

Tip 9: Avoid Offensive or Obscene Words

The CAC will reject names that are offensive, obscene, or contrary to public policy. Keep it professional.

Tip 10: Use a Fast-Track Service

Processing times at the CAC can be slow. Using a fast-track service like **CACnigeria.ng** ensures your application is submitted correctly the first time and processed within **24 hours on the Express plan** — reducing the risk of delays and back-and-forth.

Quick Name Approval Checklist

[ ] Name is unique — checked against CAC database

[ ] Contains a distinctive word (not purely generic)

[ ] No restricted government/regulatory words

[ ] Not identical/similar to an existing registered business

[ ] 3 alternative names ready

[ ] Spelling checked twice

[ ] Business description matches the name

[Check your business name availability now to get started →](/register?search=true)

10 Tips for Getting Your CAC Name Reservation Approved