26/08/2026
Under Nigeria’s CAC rules, some words are restricted, meaning you may need CAC consent/approval before the name can be registered. Also, CAC’s automated compliance checks can reject names that contain prohibited words, and the list can be updated.
Common restricted words for CAC registration
These include:
Federal
National
Regional
State
Government
Municipal
Chartered
Cooperative
Building Society
Group
Holding
Chamber of Commerce
Words suggesting government patronage or connection
Words that conflict with an existing trademark, business name or incorporated entity.
For example, a proposed name containing “Federal,” “National,” “State,” “Government,” “Cooperative,” “Group,” or “Holding” may require CAC consent.
Other names CAC may reject
CAC's current compliance system also flags names that:
Already exist or are too similar to an existing registered name.
Contain offensive or inappropriate language.
Contain certain religious connotations when being registered as a business name.
Are a single word.
Contain prohibited words.
Use certain special characters.
Use certain professional/business terms without the required certificate or approval.