The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria is the statutory government body responsible for the registration, regulation, and supervision of companies and business entities in Nigeria. Every legally operating business, whether a startup, small enterprise, multinational corporation, or non-profit organization. must be registered with the CAC to gain official recognition.
As Nigeria’s economy continues to expand and attract local and international investors, the number of businesses registered with the CAC keeps growing. By 2026, the CAC register includes hundreds of thousands of companies across sectors such as telecommunications, banking, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, oil and gas, real estate, retail, and professional services.
Summary: You cannot download a single list of all registered companies directly from the CAC website. However, you can verify specific companies and view recent additions using the CAC Public Search Portal at icrp.cac.gov.ng/public-search.
- The portal lets you search by company name or RC Number to confirm a company’s registration status, official details, and more.
- For broader trends, the CAC also publishes registration statistics by month or year and notices of new registrations or delistings in Gazette PDFs (example links: here / here).
What Is the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)?
The Corporate Affairs Commission is Nigeria’s official authority for business registration and corporate regulation. It was established under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper governance among business entities operating in the country.
The CAC is responsible for:
- Registering companies, business names, and incorporated trustees
- Maintaining a public register of all legally incorporated entities
- Issuing Registration Certificate (RC) numbers
- Monitoring compliance with annual filing requirements
- Striking off non-compliant or fraudulent companies
Once registered, a company becomes a separate legal entity, distinct from its owners or directors.
Types of Companies Registered with CAC in Nigeria
The CAC registers different categories of entities, depending on the nature and structure of the business.
1. Private Limited Liability Companies (Ltd)
This is the most common form of company registration in Nigeria. It is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses and limits the liability of shareholders.
2. Public Limited Companies (Plc)
Public companies can raise funds from the public and are often listed on the Nigerian Exchange. They usually operate at a large scale.
3. Business Names
This category covers sole proprietorships and partnerships. While simpler to register, business names do not offer the same liability protection as limited companies.
4. Incorporated Trustees
These are registered for non-profit entities such as churches, mosques, NGOs, associations, foundations, and clubs.
5. Unlimited Companies
These companies exist but are rare, as owners have unlimited liability for business debts.
Why CAC Registration Is Important
Legal Recognition
CAC registration gives a business legal status, allowing it to operate within Nigerian law. Without registration, a business is considered informal and has no legal backing.
Credibility and Trust
Registered companies are more trusted by customers, investors, banks, and partners. CAC documentation often serves as proof of legitimacy.
Access to Banking and Finance
Opening a corporate bank account, applying for loans, or receiving investment funding requires CAC registration.
Eligibility for Contracts
Government agencies and corporate organizations require CAC registration before awarding contracts or partnerships.
Brand Protection
Once registered, a company name is protected nationwide, preventing others from using the same or a confusingly similar name.
Examples of Companies Registered with CAC Nigeria
The CAC database contains thousands of registered companies. Below are notable examples of well-known CAC-registered companies in Nigeria, grouped by industry. These examples represent only a fraction of registered businesses.
Telecommunications and Technology
- MTN Nigeria Plc
- Airtel Nigeria
- Globacom Limited
- 9mobile
- Jumia Nigeria
Banking and Financial Institutions
- First Bank of Nigeria Limited
- Access Bank Plc
- United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc
- Zenith Bank Plc
- Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc
Manufacturing and Industrial Companies
- Dangote Cement Plc
- BUA Cement Plc
- Lafarge Africa Plc
- Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc
- BUA Foods Plc
Oil and Gas Companies
- Seplat Energy Plc
- TotalEnergies Nigeria
- Oando Plc
- Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd)
- Conoil Plc
Consumer Goods and Retail
- Nigerian Breweries Plc
- Nestlé Nigeria Plc
- Unilever Nigeria Plc
- PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc
Construction and Engineering
- Julius Berger Nigeria Plc
- Setraco Nigeria Limited
- Reynolds Construction Company (RCC)
How to Find Registered Companies in Nigeria
1. Use the CAC Public Search:
- Visit the CAC Public Search portal.
- Enter the company’s name or RC Number (Registration Number) in the search bar.
- The portal will display details such as the company’s official name, RC number, address, and status (active or inactive).
2. Access Lists and Statistics:
- Official Gazette PDFs: CAC publishes newly registered companies in gazette PDFs. For example, Sept 2020 Gazette (check for recent editions).
- Registration Statistics: View monthly or yearly registration data to track trends, e.g., 2022 CAC data.
3. Why There’s No Single List:
- Volume: Millions of companies are registered in Nigeria, making a single static list impractical.
- Dynamic Database: The CAC database is live, so the public search portal provides the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Tip: Use the public search portal for checking individual companies, and the gazette/statistics pages for broader trends or recent registrations.
Unregistered and Fake Companies in Nigeria
Despite CAC regulations, some businesses still operate illegally using fake RC numbers or false registration claims. The CAC frequently warns the public and removes non-compliant entities from its register.
Dealing with unregistered companies can result in:
- Financial losses
- Legal disputes
- Contract enforcement challenges
Always confirm registration before making payments or signing agreements.
How Often CAC Updates Its Company Records
The CAC database is updated regularly as:
- New companies are registered
- Existing companies file annual returns
- Ownership or director details change
- Non-compliant companies are struck off
This makes real-time verification essential.
Benefits of Being Listed with CAC
- Legal protection and limited liability
- Improved business credibility
- Easier access to funding and partnerships
- Nationwide name protection
- Eligibility for government and corporate contracts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does it mean to be registered with CAC?
It means a business is legally recognized and permitted to operate in Nigeria.
2. Can I see a full list of all CAC-registered companies?
There is no downloadable master list, but individual companies can be verified through CAC search tools.
3. Is CAC registration compulsory?
Yes. Any serious business operating in Nigeria should be registered.
4. Can a company be removed from the CAC register?
Yes. Non-compliant or fraudulent companies can be struck off.
Conclusion
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is central to business regulation in Nigeria. As of 2026, the list of companies registered with CAC Nigeria continues to grow, reflecting increased entrepreneurship and economic activity.
While a complete public list is not available, CAC provides reliable verification systems to confirm business legitimacy. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, or consumer, checking CAC registration is a critical step before engaging in any business transaction.
CAC registration is not just a legal requirement—it is the foundation of trust, credibility, and long-term business success in Nigeria.
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