Discovering Truth in Business: How to Use the CAC Public Search Tool Effectively
Every business transaction begins with trust.
And in Nigeria’s fast-growing marketplace, verifying that trust is more than due diligence, it is a necessity. Before you incorporate a company or partner with one, before you invest, hire, or sign, you must ask: Is this business real?
Thankfully, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) provides a powerful tool to help you answer that question. It’s called the CAC Public Search Tool, and it’s free, fast, and open to everyone—individuals, entrepreneurs, and even foreign companies expanding into Nigeria.
This article is your step-by-step guide, detailed, visual, and clear. It will help you master the CAC Public Search Tool and verify businesses in Nigeria with confidence.
Why Business Verification Matters, Especially Now
Nigeria’s business ecosystem is flourishing.
New companies are incorporated every day. More foreign companies enter Nigeria looking for opportunities. But alongside growth comes risk, fake names, unregistered brands, and cloned business profiles.
Whether you’re:
- About to incorporate a startup,
- Considering a foreign partnership,
- Hiring a vendor or agency, or
- Investing in a local project…
The CAC Public Search Tool gives you a first line of defense.
And All-In-One Nigeria is here to walk you through the exact steps, clear, reliable, and right from the source.
What Is the CAC Public Search Tool?
The CAC Public Search Tool is a free online platform hosted by Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission. It allows users to check the registration status of any business or company.
Key Details You Can Find
- Official name of the business
- RC (Registration Certificate) number
- Business status (active, inactive, under liquidation)
- Company type (LLC, enterprise, incorporated trustee)
- Date of registration
It provides a snapshot of legal identity, crucial for contracts, procurement, partnerships, and regulatory compliance.
Who Should Use the CAC Public Search Tool?
This isn’t just for lawyers or regulators.
If you’re any of the following, the tool can protect your interest:
- Entrepreneurs verifying a vendor
- Individuals about to incorporate a business
- Procurement officers reviewing bidders
- Investors’ screening opportunities
- Foreign companies entering Nigeria
- Job seekers checking employer authenticity
- Journalists or researchers confirming company identity
Step-by-Step – How to Use the CAC Public Search Tool
Let’s get practical. Here is how to verify a business using the CAC search.
Step 1 – Visit the CAC Public Search Portal
Go to the official CAC search page:
https://search.cac.gov.ng
The interface is simple, with a single search bar at the top.
Step 2 – Enter the Business Name
Type the full name of the business you want to search.
Example: “All-In-One Nigeria” or “Zuri Tech Limited”
Tips:
- Use correct spelling
- Avoid abbreviations
- Include “Ltd” or “Limited” if part of the name
Step 3 – Click the “Search” Button
Hit the search icon or press enter. Wait for results to load, usually under 10 seconds.
Step 4 – Review the Results
You’ll see a table of businesses matching your search.
Key fields to check:
- Company Name
- RC Number
- Registration Date
- Status (e.g., Active)
If you see “No result found,” it may mean:
- The company is not registered
- The name was entered incorrectly
- The business uses a different legal name
Tips for Smart Business Verification
Verifying a company’s name is just step one. To dig deeper:
-
Cross-check CAC details with:
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) via FIRS portal
- Company website “About” page
- NAFDAC, SON, or other regulatory listings
-
Match RC numbers on invoices or contracts
Ensure the RC number on official documents matches CAC records.
-
Ask for the certificate of incorporation
Genuine businesses should provide this without hesitation.
-
For foreign companies in Nigeria
Ensure they are legally incorporated with the CAC and licensed to operate by the Ministry of Trade or relevant agencies.
Why This Matters for Foreign Investors and Local Founders
Many foreign companies looking to incorporate in Nigeria want to know:
- Can I trust this supplier?
- Is this partnership legally viable?
- Is the agent I hired truly registered?
This tool provides clarity in a few clicks.
And for local founders preparing to register, use the CAC tool to check for name availability, avoid duplication, and study competitors’ naming formats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the CAC Public Search Tool
- Typing partial names (use full, registered name)
- Forgetting legal suffixes like “Ltd” or “PLC”
- Assuming search = validation (some results may be outdated; always confirm details)
- Mistaking similar names for the actual business
- Ignoring RC number mismatches in documents
FAQs: CAC Public Search Tool
- Is the CAC public search free to use?
Yes, it’s entirely free and accessible without login.
-
Can I verify a company registered 10+ years ago?
Yes. As long as it’s in CAC’s database and not dissolved.
-
What if the business I search shows “inactive”?
It means the company may have defaulted on filing annual returns or is under regulatory review.
-
Can I verify a business registered under a different name?
Only if you know the registered name. Trade names often differ from official CAC names.
-
What next after verifying a business?
Request incorporation documents. Cross-check with FIRS or ask All-In-One Nigeria for next-step support.
Conclusion: Knowledge Is Protection – Start Using the CAC Search Today
In a market driven by reputation, don’t rely on intuition. Rely on records.
Whether you’re a Nigerian entrepreneur preparing to incorporate, or a foreign company expanding into Nigeria, your due diligence starts with one click.
The CAC Public Search Tool is your ally. Use it. Trust it. Share it.
And when you’re ready for expert support, registration services, or expansion strategy, reach out to All-In-One Nigeria. We provide updates, market trends, and seamless execution, backed by regulatory expertise.
Call to Action
Visit our website: www.allinonenigeria.com
Email: projects@allinonenigeria.com
Verify today. Register confidently.
Business in Nigeria starts with clarity, and ends in success.
