What is the CAC 35th anniversary free business name registration?

It’s a one-time initiative by Nigeria’s CAC to offer free business name registration to 3,500 SMEs nationwide as part of its 35th anniversary celebrations in 2026.

Who is eligible for the free registration?

Small or micro-enterprises across Nigeria, with slots proportionally available across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Do I need to pay anything for the free CAC business name registration?

No. Selected applicants won’t pay the government fees normally required for business name registration under this anniversary initiative.

What documents do I need to register?

You need valid identification documents for the business owner and a clear description of your business activities.

When will the CAC open the application?

CAC announced the initiative in February 2026. Exact application details will be published on the official CAC portal. Entrepreneurs should prepare in advance.

CAC 35th Anniversary: Free Registration for 3,500 SMEs & Startups

CAC 35th Anniversary: Free Registration for 3,500 SMEs

Is your small business or startup still informal? Have you ever lost a client, missed funding, or had someone else register the name you’ve used for years simply because your business wasn’t legally registered? For many entrepreneurs, the cost and complexity of formalising a business name can feel like a barrier. This one-time CAC initiative removes that barrier and offers a rare chance to secure your legal business identity.

Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission is offering free business name registration to 3,500 SMEs in 2026 to mark its 35th anniversary. The one-time initiative aims to reduce the cost of formalising small businesses, expand access to funding and contracts, and support inclusive economic growth nationwide. Entrepreneurs should prepare their documents early and monitor CAC announcements to secure a slot.

Key Details of the CAC 35th Anniversary Initiative

Eligibility: 3,500 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) nationwide, with slots proportionally distributed across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Purpose: Reduce barriers to formalisation, promote entrepreneurship, and support inclusive economic growth.
Announced by: Registrar-General/Chief Executive Officer, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, during the anniversary event in Abuja on 9 February 2026.
Additional initiatives launched alongside:
- Scholarships for top corporate law students at the Nigerian Law School (2026).
- Donations of 120 mattresses to an IDP camp and support for orphanages.
- A commemorative staff bonus (25% of one month’s gross salary) and special loans for CAC staff.
Important Note: This free registration is a one-time opportunity tied to the anniversary, not a permanent policy. CAC emphasised its ongoing transformation into a digital, AI-driven institution focused on efficiency and global best practices.

Why Formal Registration of You Business Matters

Registering you business name with CAC transforms your venture from informal (roadside) to formal amd recognised. It opens doors to:

Bank Accounts in Your Business Name and Opportunity for Loans: Financial institutions require proof of registration for corporate account openning.
Funding and Grants: Your eligibility for programmes is tied to legal status. You cannot access any business grant without registering your business with CAC
Contracts and Clients: Many corporate or government partners only engage with formally registered entities, not unregistered roadside trader.
Brand Protection: Registering your business name givies you legal right to the name and prevents others from using your business name.

Without formal registration, businesses risk:

Losing the rights to a name they’ve built over time.
Missing out on loans, grants, partnerships, or government contracts.
Operating only in informal markets and cash-only operations with limited growth potential.

Registering your business helps you operate confidently, ensures you can protect your brand, gain credibility with clients, and expand opportunities.

Formal status protect your brand, and build trust with clients and partners.

How to Prepare Before CAC Opens the Free Registration

How to Prepare for the Free CAC Registration

Even before the CAC publishes the application link, you can get ready:

Create a CAC account: Visit www.cac.gov.ng and set up your profile.
Choose business names: Prepare 2–3 options in case your preferred name is already taken.
Draft your business description: A short, clear explanation of your activities.
Gather IDs: You will need your NIN and,maybe BVN and other valid ID such as passport, or driver’s licence for owner(s) or partners.

Typical CAC Business Name Registration Steps

Log into your CAC portal account.
Run a name availability check and reserve your chosen name.
Fill out the application form with your business details.
Upload identification documents and submit.
Pay fees (for selected applicants under this initiative, the government covers them).
Receive your certificate once approved.

After Registration

Once CAC issues your business name certificate, you can:

Apply for TIN, licenses, and regulatory permits where neccesary.
Open a business bank account in the registered name.
Issue official invoices, join tenders, and sign contracts.

Who Can Apply for the CAC 35th Anniversary Free 3,500 Free Bussiness Registration slots?

The free offer targets small and microbusiness owners registered or operating in Nigeria. It covers all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Typical applicants include: