CAC Public Search: Verify Any Nigerian Company by Name or RC Number (2026)

By 9jaDirectory Editorial Team | Published: February 2026

Every week, Nigerians lose money to fake companies. A supplier collects payment and vanishes. A contractor takes a deposit and stops responding. A "registered" business turns out to be a name printed on a flyer with no backing. The tool to prevent most of these losses already exists and it is free — the CAC public search portal at the Corporate Affairs Commission.

Whether you are about to pay a vendor, sign a contract, hire a supplier, or invest in a business, spending five minutes on the CAC public search can save you five figures — or more. This guide walks you through exactly how to use it, what your results mean, what to watch for, and what to do when something looks off.

What Is the CAC Public Search?

The CAC public search is a free online tool maintained by Nigeria's Corporate Affairs Commission — the government body responsible for registering and regulating all companies and business names in the country. It allows anyone to look up any registered Nigerian business using either the company's name or its RC number (Registration Certificate number).

The database covers all entities registered with CAC including:

• Business Names — sole proprietorships and partnerships trading under a registered name
• Private Limited Companies (Ltd) — the most common corporate structure for Nigerian SMEs
• Public Limited Companies (PLC) — larger companies that can offer shares to the public
• Incorporated Trustees — NGOs, religious bodies, associations, and foundations
• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) — combining partnership flexibility with limited liability

If a business is genuinely registered in Nigeria, it will appear here. If it does not appear, treat that as a serious warning sign.

What Is an RC Number?

Before you run a search, you need to understand the RC number — because it is the most reliable way to verify a specific company.

RC stands for Registration Certificate. When the CAC approves a company or business name, it assigns a unique RC number to that entity. Think of it as the business equivalent of a NIN — a permanent identifier that belongs to that registration alone.

• For Business Names: the RC number appears on the Certificate of Registration issued by the CAC.
• For Limited Companies: it appears on the Certificate of Incorporation, preceded by "RC" (e.g., RC 1234567).
• For Incorporated Trustees: the number is prefixed with "IT" (e.g., IT 12345).

Important: Two businesses can have similar names. Only the RC number uniquely identifies a specific registration. When verifying a business before a large transaction, always confirm the RC number matches the certificate they present.

Any legitimate Nigerian business will share its RC number without hesitation. If a vendor or contractor refuses to provide it, that alone is a red flag.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the CAC Public Search

There are two ways to search — by company name and by RC number. Here is how to do both.

Option A: Search by Company Name

1. Open your browser and go to search.cac.gov.ng — the official CAC public search portal.
2. In the search box, type the business name exactly as it appears on the invoice, contract, or receipt you received.
3. Click Search or press Enter.
4. Browse the results. Multiple businesses may have similar names — look carefully at the full registered name.
5. Click the matching result to view the full profile including registration type, status, registration date, and RC number.

Option B: Search by RC Number

1. Go to search.cac.gov.ng.
2. Select the "Search by RC Number" option (usually a tab or dropdown near the search bar).
3. Enter the RC number exactly as provided — including any letter prefix (RC, BN, or IT).
4. Click Search.
5. The result should display only one record — the exact entity registered under that number.

Tip: If the CAC portal is slow or returns errors, you can also check name availability on the CAC pre-incorporation portal at pre.cac.gov.ng.

Understanding Your Search Results

A successful CAC public search result will typically show the following fields. Here is what each one means:

Field	What It Means
Registered Name	The exact legal name of the business as approved by CAC
RC Number	The unique registration certificate number
Entity Type	Business Name, Private Company, PLC, Incorporated Trustees, etc.
Status	Active, Struck Off, or Dormant — the most critical field to check
Registration Date	When the entity was officially registered with CAC
Address	The registered office address on file with CAC

The most important field to check is Status. Active means the company is in good standing. Struck Off means CAC has removed it from its register, usually for failing to file annual returns. A business with a struck-off status cannot legally enter into contracts.

Red Flags: What to Watch For When Verifying a Business

Not every suspicious situation is obvious. Here are the warning signs to look for during and after your CAC public search:

1. The business does not appear at all

If a name search and RC number search both return no results, the business is either not registered or trading under a completely different name. Do not proceed with any financial commitment until registration is confirmed.

2. The status says "Struck Off"

A struck-off company has been removed from the CAC register, typically for failing to file annual returns for two or more years. Signing contracts with a struck-off company is legally risky and practically unenforceable.

3. The registered address does not match

If the address on the CAC record differs significantly from the address on the business card, invoice, or website — ask for an explanation. Companies are required to update their registered address with CAC within 14 days of any change.

4. The name on the certificate does not match

Fraudsters sometimes present certificates for a different but similarly named company. Always compare the full registered name character by character. "Lagos Logistics Limited" and "Lagos Logistic Limited" are different registrations.

5. A reluctance to share their RC number

Any registered Nigerian business knows its RC number — it appears on the certificate, official letterhead, and bank documents. Hesitation, deflection, or an inability to provide this number quickly is a serious warning sign.

6. Registration is very recent for a supposedly established business

If a vendor claims 10 years of experience but their registration date is six months ago, press for an explanation. New registrations are fine for new businesses — but inconsistency with stated history warrants scrutiny.

Limitations of CAC Public Search

The CAC public search is powerful but not a complete due diligence tool. Understand what it cannot tell you:

• It does not show operational status: a company can be registered but not actively trading, or trading in a completely different sector.
• It does not show financial health: CAC registration says nothing about whether a company pays its debts or has pending litigation.
• It does not show court judgments: to check litigation history, search the Federal High Court or relevant State High Court records separately.
• Annual returns may be outdated: some companies are marked active but have not filed returns recently — a compliance issue in itself.

For larger transactions, complement your CAC public search with additional checks: request audited accounts, run a credit bureau check, and ask for references from previous clients. For the full step-by-step registration process, see our guide on business registration in Nigeria.

After You Verify: List Your Business for Others to Find

If you run a registered Nigerian business, the best thing you can do after verifying others is to make your own business easy to verify. Customers who find you online want proof you are legitimate before they call, WhatsApp, or walk in.

Listing on 9jaDirectory's Business category gives your verified business a public profile that appears in local search results across Nigeria — from Lagos to Abuja to Port Harcourt. Add your CAC registration number, WhatsApp, photos, and services so customers can verify you instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CAC public search free to use?

Yes. The CAC public search at search.cac.gov.ng is completely free for anyone to use. You do not need to create an account or pay any fee to look up a registered business name or company. Only activities like filing documents, reserving names, or downloading certified copies require payment.

What does it mean if a company status shows "Struck Off"?

A struck-off status means CAC has removed the company from its active register, usually because the company failed to file annual returns for two or more consecutive years. Legally, the company no longer exists as a corporate entity. You should not enter into contracts or make payments to a struck-off company. Directors can apply for restoration, but until that happens the company has no legal standing.

Can I search for a business using just a phone number or address?

No. The CAC public search only accepts searches by company name or RC number. To find a business by phone number or location, use a business directory like 9jaDirectory. Once you find the business name there, you can then confirm it on the CAC portal.

What is the difference between a Business Name and a Limited Company on the CAC search?

A Business Name registration is simpler and cheaper — it registers a trading name for a sole proprietor or partnership but does not create a separate legal entity. The owner is personally liable for all debts. A Limited Company (Ltd) is a separate legal entity from its owners, providing limited liability protection. The "Entity Type" field in your search results will tell you which category applies.

How often is the CAC public search database updated?

New registrations and status changes typically appear within a few days to a few weeks of processing. If you registered recently and your business does not appear yet, check again after two to three weeks. For urgent verification during an active transaction, you can visit a CAC office directly to request a certified search result.