COMPANY LAW — Prohibited and Restricted Names — Words Suggesting Government Patronage under Section 30(2)(a) of CAMA
Principle Statement
Except with the consent of the Commission, no company shall be registered by a name which includes the word 'Federal', 'Regional', 'State', 'Government' or any other word which in the opinion of the Commission suggests or is calculated to suggest that it enjoys the patronage of the Government of the Federation or of a State, as the case may be or any Ministry or Department of Government.
Ratio Decidendi (Source)
Per Ogbuagu, JSC, in Amasike v. Registrar General, CAC & Anor (2010) NLC-2042005(SC) at p. 30; Paras B–C.
"Except with the consent of the Commission, no company shall be registered by a name which includes the word 'Federal', 'Regional', 'State', 'Government' or any other word which in the opinion of the Commission suggests or is calculated to suggest that it enjoys the patronage of the Government of the Federation or of a State, as the case may be or any Ministry or Department of Government."
Explanation / Scope
This principle establishes that names suggesting government patronage are prohibited without the Commission’s consent. Words like “Federal”, “State”, or “Government” require consent. The principle applies in company name registration. It ensures that the public is not misled. The principle reflects the need to prevent false impressions of government connection. It protects the integrity of government names. The court must enforce the prohibition. The principle provides guidance on prohibited and restricted names.
