Paragraph 1: The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria has embarked on a transformative journey to revolutionize business registration in the country. This ambitious initiative is spearheaded by the launch of a pilot Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered registration portal, designed to drastically reduce registration timelines and significantly enhance the ease of doing business. The Registrar-General and Chief Executive Officer of the CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN), unveiled this groundbreaking development during the 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum, heralding a new era of streamlined and efficient business registration processes. This move signals a complete overhaul of the existing Company Registration Portal, paving the way for a more technologically advanced and user-friendly system.
Paragraph 2: The core objective of the AI-powered portal is to simplify and expedite the business registration process. One of its most remarkable features is the instant approval of name reservations, mirroring the ease and speed of creating an email account. The intelligent system is programmed to suggest alternative names if the desired name is unavailable, ensuring a seamless and efficient process. This eliminates the traditional delays associated with name reservation, a significant bottleneck in the previous system. Furthermore, the portal leverages the National Identification Number (NIN) for streamlined registration, allowing businesses to register using only the NIN of a director or proprietor. This integration with the national identity database signifies a significant step towards simplifying bureaucratic procedures and promoting digital identity verification.
Paragraph 3: The CAC has set an ambitious target of completing business registrations within 30 minutes, culminating in the generation and delivery of a certificate of incorporation to the applicant’s email address. This expedited process is contingent upon successful real-time NIN verification. While acknowledging potential delays due to external validations from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the CAC has proactively implemented a contingency plan. This plan utilizes AI-powered photo ID matching to mitigate delays and ensure a smooth registration process even in the face of external dependencies. This innovative approach demonstrates the CAC’s commitment to leveraging technology to overcome potential challenges and maintain the efficiency of the new system.
Paragraph 4: Security and transparency are paramount in the new system. To bolster the security of company records and prevent unauthorized modifications, the CAC is introducing a two-factor authentication system with OTP verification for all transactions. This robust security measure ensures that any changes to company information require the explicit knowledge and consent of the registered directors, safeguarding against fraudulent activities and maintaining the integrity of the registered data. This proactive approach to security reflects the CAC’s commitment to protecting the interests of registered businesses and fostering trust in the registration process.
Paragraph 5: Recognizing the growing importance of mobile accessibility, the CAC plans to launch a dedicated mobile application in the final quarter of 2025. This mobile application will empower users to track and manage their transactions conveniently from their mobile devices, providing on-the-go access to critical information and streamlining interactions with the CAC. Furthermore, the CAC is actively expanding its network of partners to enhance accessibility and streamline services. The commission is currently reviewing over 100 requests from local and international super agents, including the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), to further broaden access to its services and enhance the overall user experience. These partnerships signify the CAC’s commitment to expanding its reach and making its services readily available to a wider audience.
Paragraph 6: In line with its commitment to maintaining high-quality service delivery and supporting ongoing reforms, the CAC will review its service fees effective August 1, 2025. This review reflects the commission’s dedication to providing sustainable and efficient services while adapting to evolving operational costs and technological advancements. The 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum provided a platform for valuable feedback and engagement. Representatives from key organizations, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, were present to offer their perspectives and contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding business registration in Nigeria. A dedicated CAC technical team was also on hand to address customer complaints and provide immediate solutions to registration challenges, demonstrating the commission’s commitment to responsive customer service and on-the-ground support.
