CAC company search: how to check a Nigerian company
By the Vanguard Verify desk · Published 2026-10-25 · Updated 2026-10-25
Short answer: go to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) public search at search.cac.gov.ng, enter the RC or BN number from the company's certificate (or its exact name), and check that the name, registration type, registration date and status match what you were told. An "Inactive" or "Struck Off" status, or no record at all, means you should stop and investigate before doing business.
The CAC is Nigeria's official companies registry under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020. Its public search is free and does not need an account.
Steps to check a Nigerian company
- Get the registration number. Ask for the certificate of incorporation or registration and note the number. RC numbers are for incorporated companies, BN for registered business names and IT for incorporated trustees.
- Search the CAC portal. Open search.cac.gov.ng and search by the number — it is more precise than a name.
- Open the matching record and compare the exact name, registration type, registration date and status with the certificate and the company's letterhead.
- Check the status. Annual returns are a yearly filing. A company that does not file can be shown as "Inactive" and may later be struck off.
- Save a record. Screenshot or print the page to PDF with the date of your search.
- Go deeper for large deals. Request certified true copies or a status report through the CAC to see directors and shareholders, then check that the person you are dealing with is one of them or holds a written authority.
- Check the LEI on GLEIF if the company quotes one. See how to check an LEI number.
What the registration prefixes mean
| Prefix | Entity type | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| RC | Incorporated company (e.g. Ltd, Plc) | Separate legal entity with directors and shareholders |
| BN | Business name | Registered trading name; not a limited company |
| IT | Incorporated trustees | Associations, foundations, religious and non-profit bodies |
Red flags
- The RC or BN number on the certificate returns no record, or a different company.
- The name differs slightly from the registry (a missing word, a different suffix).
- A BN business name presents itself as a "Limited" company.
- The registration date is very recent but the seller claims many years of exports.
- The status is Inactive or Struck Off.
- The contact is only by WhatsApp or a free webmail address, with no website on the company's own domain.
A clean registry record proves the company exists. It does not prove it owns the goods or can deliver them — for that, see how to verify a commodity supplier.
Check a company now with Vanguard Verify — first check free.
Type the company name. We show its public registry record (Global LEI Index), free.
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FAQ
Is the CAC public search free?
Yes. The public search at search.cac.gov.ng is free and does not need an account. Certified true copies and status reports are separate paid services.
What does RC mean on a Nigerian certificate?
RC numbers are given to incorporated companies. BN numbers are for registered business names and IT numbers for incorporated trustees.
What does Inactive mean on the CAC portal?
It usually means the entity has not kept up its annual returns. It is not in good standing and can eventually be struck off.
Does a CAC record prove a company can supply goods?
No. It proves the entity is registered. You still need to check its authority, its product and the shipping documents.
Vanguard Verify is run by Vanguard Trade Capital Goods Wholesalers DWC-LLC, Dubai South, Licence 14282. This answer is general information, not legal or financial advice.