How to Register a Fashion Business in Nigeria

To register a fashion business in Nigeria, register a business name or a company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). For a tailor or designer working alone, a business name is the usual first step, and the CAC says you can do it online without a lawyer or accountant.

This guide follows the CAC's own process. It is written for tailors and designers who want to set up properly, and it pairs well with our tools for tailors and fashion designers. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Always confirm current steps and fees with the CAC.

What does CAC registration give a fashion business?

The CAC is the body that handles the incorporation, regulation and supervision of companies, business names and incorporated trustees. Its website says registration gives legal recognition under Nigerian law and supports opening bank accounts, signing contracts and accessing services. You can read this on the CAC website.

For a tailor, that means you can hold a business account in your trading name and give corporate clients a registered business to deal with. Many brands and event planners ask for this before they place a large order.

Should you register a business name or a company?

The CAC lists business name registration and company registration as separate services. Its business name page covers individuals and proprietors, and a separate page covers company registration.

A simple way to think about it:

Question	Business name	Company
Who it suits	Individuals trading under a name	Businesses that want a separate legal entity
Where to read about it	CAC business name page	CAC company registration page

Read both CAC pages before you decide. If your plans include investors or several owners, speak to a lawyer or chartered secretary. The rest of this guide covers the business name route.

How do you register a business name with the CAC?

The CAC's business name page describes three steps.

1. Check that the name is available. Use the business name tool on the CAC page.
2. Complete the pre-registration form and upload your documents. This is done online on the CAC's Company Registration Portal. The page says to upload the relevant registration documents.
3. Pay the filing fee. The CAC links to a summary of fees on its site, so check that for the current amount.

After approval, the CAC says you receive an electronic Certificate of Registration and a Certified Extract of registration information.

The portal is at icrp.cac.gov.ng, and you can search for existing names on the public search page.

How do you choose a name for your fashion label?

Your name appears on your certificate, invoices and social pages, so choose carefully.

• Search first. Use the CAC public search to see what is taken.
• Keep it simple to spell. Clients will type it into search and payment apps.
• Check social handles. A matching handle makes you easier to find.
• Think ahead. A name that works for tailoring only may limit you if you add ready-to-wear.

If you plan to build a brand, consider protecting the name too. Our guide on registering a fashion trademark in Nigeria explains how that differs from business name registration.

What should you do after you register?

Registration is the start, not the finish.

1. Open a business account and keep client money separate from personal money.
2. Ask the tax authority what applies to you. The tax authority's site, nrs.gov.ng, is the place to start.
3. Keep records of clients, orders, measurements and payments.
4. Issue proper invoices with your registered name.

ZeDaq.ai supports the last two points for tailors: a client CRM, measurements through a link the client opens on their phone, orders with a delivery calendar, and invoicing in several currencies including NGN, GBP and USD. There is also the ZeDaq Business mobile app for iOS and Android.

Is registration different for fashion businesses outside Nigeria?

Yes. Every country has its own registrar and rules. If you are also building in Ghana, see our guide on registering a fashion business in Ghana. If you are still deciding on the whole path, how to start a tailoring business in Nigeria covers skills, pricing and workspace.

Once you are registered and taking group orders, managing aso ebi and wedding group orders shows how to keep them organized.

FAQs

Can I register a business name without a lawyer?

The CAC's business name page says individuals or proprietors can register business names without a legal practitioner, chartered accountant or chartered secretary.

How much does CAC registration cost?

The CAC publishes a summary of fees and does not give a fixed amount on its business name page. Check the fee summary linked from the CAC website for the current figure.

Do I get a certificate?

Yes. The CAC says registration produces an electronic Certificate of Registration and a Certified Extract of registration information.

Do I need to register to start sewing for clients?

You can sew without registering, but registration helps with banking and contracts. Decide based on how you plan to trade and get advice for your situation.