So, you finally took the leap. You jumped on the CAC business name registration train, submitted your docs, paid the fees and then? Silence.
No approval. No certificate. Just the spinning wheel of CAC status hell.

If this sounds like your story, you’re not alone. Every day, thousands of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and side-hustlers are Googling:

Why is CAC taking so long to approve my business name in 2025?

We have pulled back the curtain to expose the top 5 culprits delaying CAC approvals in Nigeria today and how you can avoid being the next victim.

1. Blurry or Mismatched Documentation Uploads

The Problem:
Uploading a blurry NIN slip, expired passport, or mismatched info between the ID and the CAC form is the fastest way to land indefinitely in the CAC waiting room.

Common Mistakes:

• The passport photo doesn’t match the uploaded ID
• NIN or name is misspelt
• The uploaded image is cropped or unreadable

How to Fix It:

• Use a scanner or a clear phone camera (under natural light)
• Triple-check name order and spelling
• Stick to accepted ID types: NIN, Passport, Driver’s License, Voter’s Card

2. Business Name Conflict or Similarity Issues

The Problem: Just because a name “sounds” unique doesn’t mean CAC hasn’t seen it before. Their system flags anything too similar to an existing name, even with minor changes.

Why It Happens:

• Name reservation tools don’t show all existing or reserved names
• Adding “Global,” “Nigeria,” or “Solutions” doesn’t make your name original
• Too many name rejections = delay + extra charges
  

Fix It Before It Happens:

• Use the CAC’s name search tool with wildcard searches
• Always have 2-3 name options ready
• Use a platform like All-In-One Nigeria to pre-check name similarity

3. Errors in Registration Form Entries

The Problem:
One wrong digit in your date of birth or a mismatched address across fields? CAC doesn’t call you to fix it; they just park your file until you figure it out.

Common Slip-Ups:

• Spelling errors in your name
• Wrong business classification
• Address mismatch (especially postal codes)
• Misfiled ownership structure (e.g., sole proprietorship vs. partnership)
  

Pro Tip:
Copy details exactly as they appear on your official ID
Don’t rush through the form, double-check all spellings
Use a pre-fill checklist (we’ve got one below)

4. CAC System Downtime or Manual Review Bottlenecks

The Problem:
Even if you do everything right, CAC’s servers don’t always cooperate. In 2025, while the commission is more digital, manual reviews still cause delays, especially for high-volume days like Mondays or month-ends.

“Mine was stuck at ‘Payment Completed’ for 6 days. Turns out, CAC was clearing a backlog from the holiday weekend.” Jessica, UI/UX Designer

What’s Going On in 2025:

• Manual review queues still exist (especially for docs with small flags)
• CAC servers crash randomly, especially during peak hours
• Payments sometimes reflect late despite successful receipts

How to Navigate It:

• Submit docs early in the week (avoid Fridays)
• Keep your payment reference and RRR receipt saved
• If no progress after 5 working days, escalate with CAC support
• Or, use platforms like All-In-One Nigeria that handle follow-up
  
  

5. Payment Confirmation Glitches

The Problem:
You paid. The money was left in your account. You got the receipt. But CAC still says… “Pending.”

Possible Causes:

• The wrong RRR was entered during verification
• Remita is not syncing with CAC instantly
• Payment bounced due to network lag

Fixes That Work:

• Always save and screenshot payment confirmations
• Go to remita.net and confirm your payment manually
• Re-enter your RRR on CAC’s portal after 24 hours
• Still stuck? Email CAC with proof: contact@cac.gov.ng

How to Know When It’s a Normal Delay vs. Time to Escalate

Before You Submit: Troubleshooting Checklist

• Scan all documents clearly (JPEG or PDF format)
• Match name spelling, address, and DOB exactly to ID
• Have 2–3 unique business name options ready
• Use approved ID only (NIN, Passport, etc.)
• Save payment receipts + RRR codes
• Submit early in the week to avoid queue pile-ups
• Use the CAC live status tracker if stuck for more than 5 days

Conclusion

Most CAC registration delays in Nigeria aren’t because you’re doing something totally wrong. They’re there because no one tells you the little details that trip you up. That’s where All-In-One Nigeria comes in.

Need someone to handle CAC documentation, double-check your entries, and chase approvals while you focus on building your hustle?

Visit: www.allinonenigeria.com
Email: projects@allinonenigeria.com.

We’ll take the CAC stress off your shoulders, so you can get your business legit and thriving, without getting stuck in limbo.