How to Legally Change Your Business, Company, or NGO Name Through the CAC in Nigeria

When your organisation undergoes a rebrand, restructuring, merger, or strategic repositioning, updating your legal name is an essential compliance requirement. In Nigeria, every official name change—whether for a business name, limited liability company, or incorporated trustee—must be processed and approved by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

This guide explains the CAC name-change process and how we assist you from start to finish to ensure your organisation remains fully compliant.

Why You Must Process a Name Change Through the CAC

A name change is not just a branding decision; it is a legal requirement. Until the CAC approves and updates your records:

• Your old name remains the only legally recognized name.

• You cannot validly sign contracts under the new name.

• Banks, regulators, and partners may reject documents.

• You risk compliance issues or invalid documentation.

To avoid these problems, every entity—Business Names, Limited Companies (LTD), and Incorporated Trustees (NGOs, Churches, Clubs, Foundations)—must carry out an official name change filing with the CAC.

Our Professional Name Change Support Services

Below is what we handle for you from start to finish:

1. Name Availability Search & Reservation

We help you check the CAC database to confirm whether your proposed new name is available. Once confirmed, we reserve it to prevent anyone else from using it.

2. Preparation of Board or Trustees’ Resolutions

For companies and NGOs, CAC requires:

• Board Resolution (for LTD)

• Trustees/Governing Body Resolution (for NGOs)

We draft clean, compliant resolutions that meet CAC standards.

3. Updated Documentation & CAC Filings

We prepare, correct, and upload all required documents, including:

• Application for name change

• Updated constitution (for NGOs if affected)

• Updated Memorandum & Articles (if required for companies)

• Minutes of meetings

• New trustees or directors’ details (if changed during the process)

We ensure zero errors, delays, or rejections.

4. Issuance of the New Certificate

After CAC processes your application, you receive:

• Certificate of Name Change

• Updated Status Report / Certified Extract

• Updated Constitution (for NGOs)

These documents are what banks, government agencies, and partners require for recognition of the new name.

Who Needs a Legal Name Change?

You should file for a CAC-approved name change if your organisation is undergoing:

• Rebranding or repositioning

• Correction of spelling errors in the original name

• Merger or partnership restructuring

• Change in organisational focus (e.g., from social club to charity)

• Conflicts or disputes over similar names

• Upgrade from Business Name to Limited Company or Trustees registration

Benefits of Completing Your Name Change Legally

Updating your name with the CAC ensures:

• Proper legal recognition

• Smooth banking operations

• Valid execution of contracts

• Alignment with regulatory and compliance requirements

• Consistent identity across all platforms

• Protection of your new brand name

How Long Does CAC Name Change Take?

Processing time varies based on the entity type:

• Business Name: 1–2 working days

• Limited Company: 1–2 working days

• Incorporated Trustees (NGO): 21–30 working days (due to newspaper publication requirement)

We monitor and manage the entire process for speed and accuracy.

Requirements for CAC Name Change

For Business Name

• Reserved new name

• Proprietor/partner consent

• Updated BN documents

For Limited Company (LTD)

• Board Resolution

• Updated Memorandum & Articles of Association (if required)

• Special Resolution of members

• Updated company records

For Incorporated Trustees (NGO/Church/Foundation)

• Trustees Resolution

• Updated Constitution

• Minutes of meeting

• Newspaper publication of name change

• Updated trustee details

We help you generate and prepare all required documents.

In addition, we offer complete assistance with updating these records on the CAC portal. Our service ensures that every detail is correctly captured and that your organisation meets all CAC compliance standards—protecting you from sanctions and keeping your business legally recognised. Contact us now for a quick quote and necessary action.