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Your Simple Guide to Reserving a Business Name on the CAC i-CRP Portal

Your Simple Guide to Reserving a Business Name on the CAC i-CRP Portal

Welcome! Starting a new business is an exciting journey, and the very first step is often choosing and reserving the perfect name. This guide is designed to walk you through the simple, modern process of reserving your business name on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) i-CRP portal.

The new portal is designed with you in mind, using smart technology to make registration seamless. It offers several key benefits designed to give you a smooth start:

  • Instant Approval: Say goodbye to waiting. When you find an available name and complete the process, your reservation is approved on the spot.
  • AI-Powered CRP: The portal uses Artificial Intelligence to help you succeed. It features real-time name checks for compliance and even provides smart suggestions if your first choice is taken.
  • Instant Processing: The system is built for speed. As the portal says, there’s “No more waiting!”

Let’s get started by logging in and accessing your dashboard.

1. Getting Started: Accessing Your Dashboard

First, you’ll need to log into the portal to access your personalized workspace. Follow these steps to get to your dashboard.

  1. Navigate to the official portal URL: https://icrp.cac.gov.ng.
  2. Click on Login at the top-right corner of the homepage.
  3. Enter your username and password, then click the Login button.
  4. Complete the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) by entering the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered email address.
  5. Click Submit. You will be redirected to your main Dashboard.

Tip: If you don’t see the email with your One-Time Password (OTP) immediately, be sure to check your spam or junk folder.

Now that you’re logged in, you’re ready to begin the name reservation process.

2. The Core Process: Reserving Your Chosen Name

This is where you’ll select your business type, propose a name, and secure it through payment. We’ve broken it down into three simple stages.

A. Starting the Reservation and Defining Your Business

Before proposing a name, you must first define the type of business you intend to register.

  1. From your Dashboard, click on Name Reservation in the menu.
  2. Click the New Reservation button to begin.
  3. Choose the appropriate Business Classification (e.g., Business Name, Company).
  4. Select the specific Business Type (e.g., Sole Proprietorship, Private Company Limited by Shares).
  5. Click Continue.

B. Proposing Your Name and Checking Its Availability

This is the exciting part where you check if your desired business name is available.

  1. Fill in the required fields on the form:
    • Proposed Business Name
    • Nature of Business
    • Specific Nature of Business (a more detailed category that appears after you select the general Nature of Business)
  2. Click the Check Availability button to get an instant result.

The portal’s AI-powered system will immediately tell you if the name can be reserved. You will see one of two outcomes:

Outcome Your Next Action
Name is Available Click the Continue button to proceed directly to payment.
Name is Unavailable You have two choices: Click Update Business Name to try a different name, or click Get Name Suggestions to see AI-generated options. After finding an available name, click Continue to proceed to payment.

C. Making Payment and Securing Your Name

Once you have an available name and click continue, the final step is to complete the payment.

You will be redirected to the Remita payment platform to securely complete the transaction. After your payment is successful, the name reservation is instantly approved. You will receive an AV Code (Approval Validation Code), sometimes referred to as a Name Availability Code, which is the official confirmation code you will need for the next stage of business registration.

With your AV Code in hand, you are ready for the next stage of your business journey.

3. What Happens Next?

Once your name is approved and you have your AV Code, you have two options for what to do next.

  • Proceed with Registration: If you are ready to register the business right away, click Continue to Filing. This will take you directly into the next phase of the process.
  • Return to Dashboard: If you prefer to complete the registration later, click Go Home. This will take you back to your dashboard, and your approved name will be waiting for you.

Remember: Keep your AV Code safe! You will need it to begin the full business registration process whenever you are ready.

4. Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the crucial first step of reserving your business name. By following this guide, you’ve navigated the initial stage of bringing your business vision to life. The i-CRP portal is designed to make this entire process as smooth and efficient as possible, allowing you to focus on what truly matters building your new venture.