In a bold move to revolutionize business registration in Nigeria, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has unveiled a pilot Artificial Intelligence-powered registration portal, designed to significantly reduce bottlenecks and transform how businesses are incorporated in the country.
The announcement was made by the Registrar-General and CEO of the CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, during the 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum held in Abuja.
Describing the initiative as a “game-changer,” Magaji emphasized that the AI-based portal is tailored to improve the ease of doing business and boost investor confidence through faster, smarter, and more secure registration services.
⚡ Key Highlights of the New AI Registration Portal
- 🕒 Ultra-Fast Registrations:
Businesses can now be registered and receive their certificate of incorporation within 30 minutes, provided real-time National Identification Number (NIN) verification is successful. - 🔍 Smart Name Reservation:
The AI system suggests available name alternatives in real-time, instantly approving reservations much like opening a personal email account. - 🧍 NIN-Only Registration:
A director or proprietor can now register a business using just their NIN, with no need for tedious paperwork uploads. - 🔐 Built-in Contingency & Photo ID Matching:
To address delays from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the portal includes AI photo matching technology for secondary verification. - 📱 Mobile App Coming Soon:
A CAC mobile application will launch in Q4 2025, allowing users to track registration progress, manage filings, and receive updates on-the-go. - 🛡 Two-Factor Authentication for Company Records:
OTP-based authentication will now be required for sensitive transactions to prevent unauthorized changes to company profiles.
🤝 Deepening Public-Private Synergy
Magaji also revealed that CAC is currently evaluating over 100 partnership requests from both local and international super agents, including proposals from the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), to streamline and democratize access to registration services nationwide.
💬 Reactions from Key Stakeholders
The forum featured goodwill messages and industry feedback from key business and legal groups, including:
- Cordelia U. Eke, Chairperson, Nigerian Bar Association (Port Harcourt Branch)
- Sir Sebastian Essien, Chairman, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators
- Elder Dogala Sakpege, Chairman, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises
- Mechi Brown, Director of Industry, Rivers State Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- Miema Akpa, representative of the ICAN Port Harcourt Branch
All commended the CAC’s innovations as timely and vital to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and urged swift national rollout.
💸 Upcoming Fee Review from August 1, 2025
As part of a broader reform plan, the CAC will implement a revised service fee structure from August 1, 2025, to maintain service quality and support technology upgrades.
A technical team from CAC was also on ground during the stakeholders’ event to resolve customer complaints, demonstrate the new portal, and offer real-time support for ongoing registration challenges.
🎯 Why It Matters
The AI-powered platform positions Nigeria among the most digitally progressive economies in Africa when it comes to corporate registration. It is expected to boost the country’s tax base, formalize informal businesses, and drive economic inclusion, especially for startups and SMEs.
With the portal now live in pilot phase, the CAC’s digital overhaul aligns closely with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focused on modernizing Nigeria’s bureaucratic processes and empowering the private sector.
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