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1. Confirm the Availability of Your Business Name

Before registering your business, it is important to ensure that your proposed business name is available. This is done by conducting a name availability search through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

If your preferred name is available, you may proceed with registration. If not, you may need to adjust your name choice. Selecting a unique name reduces the risk of conflicts and makes brand protection easier in the future.

We also encourage entrepreneurs to consider trademark availability when choosing a business name, especially if the brand will be used publicly or commercially.

2. Register Your Business With the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)

Once you have selected an available name, the next step is to choose a suitable business structure and register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Common business structures in Nigeria include:

• Business Name (Sole Proprietorship or Partnership)
• Private Limited Liability Company (Ltd)
• Incorporated Trustees (for NGOs and associations)

Choosing the right structure affects taxation, liability, compliance requirements, and future growth. Professional guidance can help you determine the structure that best fits your business goals.

3. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN)

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is issued by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and is required for tax compliance. Your TIN is used for filing taxes, opening corporate bank accounts, and conducting certain official transactions.

Most registered businesses are required to obtain a TIN, even if they are not yet generating revenue.

4. Register for Applicable Taxes

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to register for additional tax obligations such as:

• Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), if you plan to employ staff

Tax registration ensures compliance with statutory requirements and helps prevent penalties or future complications.

5. Obtain Required Licenses and Permits

Some businesses require specific licenses or permits to operate legally. These may be issued by:

• State or local government authorities
• Industry-specific regulatory bodies

The type of license required depends on the nature of your business, location, and industry. Proper identification of required permits helps avoid regulatory issues down the line.

6. Register With SCUML (If Applicable)

Certain categories of businesses are required to register with the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML). This applies to businesses such as:

• Consultants
• Real estate companies
• NGOs
• Fintech and financial service providers

SCUML registration is an important compliance requirement and may be necessary to open or maintain corporate bank accounts.

7. Protect Your Brand Through Trademark Registration

Trademark registration is an important step in protecting your business identity. Trademarks may include:

• Business names
• Logos
• Slogans
• Other distinctive brand elements used in commerce

Registering a business name with CAC or purchasing a domain name does not automatically protect your brand. Trademark registration helps establish ownership and strengthens your ability to prevent unauthorized use of your brand identity.

Trademark registration can be complex, and professional guidance helps ensure proper filing and compliance with regulatory standards.

Get Professional Support for Your Business Journey

Starting a business is exciting, but it can also be complex and time-consuming. OHANWS Corporate Consults is committed to supporting entrepreneurs with professional guidance, accurate documentation, and compliance-focused consulting services.

Whether you are registering a new business, structuring your operations, or protecting your brand, we are here to help you take each step with confidence.

Contact OHANWS Corporate Consults today to learn more about how we can support your business from startup to growth.