The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has officially launched a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered business registration portal, representing a major leap forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda for corporate services. The announcement was made by Registrar-General and CEO, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, during the 2025 Stakeholders Forum held in Port Harcourt.
Revolutionary Features Transform Registration Experience
The new platform introduces several game-changing features designed to eliminate traditional bureaucratic bottlenecks. Name reservation has been completely reimagined to be “as seamless as opening an email account,” offering instant approvals for available business names. The AI system intelligently suggests alternative name options when preferred choices are unavailable, significantly reducing delays and enhancing user convenience.
Perhaps the most revolutionary feature is the NIN-only registration capability, which allows entrepreneurs to register their businesses using just the National Identification Number (NIN) of a director or proprietor. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for multiple documentation requirements that have historically slowed down the registration process.
Ambitious 30-Minute Registration Target
The CAC has set an ambitious target of completing full business registration—from name reservation to certificate issuance—in under 30 minutes, pending real-time NIN verification through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). To address potential delays from external verification sources, the commission has developed a contingency AI-based photo ID matching system to ensure service continuity.
Strategic Partnerships and Expansion Plans
The Registrar-General revealed that CAC is currently reviewing over 100 partnership requests from Super Agents, both domestic and international. Notable among these is the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), which aligns with the Commission’s vision to extend its reach and simplify access to corporate services across Nigeria.
Enhanced Security and Mobile Accessibility
Looking ahead, CAC plans to implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and OTP verification for all transactions by the end of 2025, aimed at preventing unauthorized changes to company records. A dedicated CAC Mobile App is also expected to launch in the last quarter of 2025, enabling business owners to manage and track their registrations on mobile devices.
Fee Review to Fund Continued Innovation
To sustain these technological improvements and fund additional reforms, CAC will implement a review of selected service fees effective August 1, 2025. The commission has positioned this as necessary to maintain the high-quality digital services and continue investing in platform enhancements.
Strong Stakeholder Support
The Port Harcourt forum featured goodwill messages from key industry stakeholders, including:
- Nigerian Bar Association (Port Harcourt Branch)
- Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSAN)
- Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME)
- Representatives from Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Institute of Chartered Accountants (Port Harcourt Branch)
Commitment to Transparency and Support
Demonstrating its commitment to transparent and responsive service delivery, CAC deployed a technical team to provide real-time support and resolve customer complaints during the forum. This hands-on approach reflects the commission’s dedication to ensuring smooth user experiences as the new platform rolls out.
The launch of this AI-powered portal represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s broader digital transformation journey, potentially setting a new standard for government service delivery across the country. As businesses increasingly seek efficient registration processes, CAC’s technological leap could serve as a catalyst for improved ease of doing business in Nigeria.
