In a bold move to simplify company registration and improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has launched a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered portal. This digital innovation, which represents a complete overhaul of the existing Company Registration Portal (CRP), aims to deliver faster, smarter, and more reliable services to entrepreneurs across the country.

The announcement came during the CAC’s 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum in Port Harcourt, where the Registrar-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, unveiled the new portal. According to him, this transformation marks a critical milestone in Nigeria’s digital reform agenda and is expected to significantly boost investor confidence and economic growth.

New AI Portal Enables Instant Name Reservation and Seamless Approvals

Unlike the previous system, the new AI-powered portal uses intelligent algorithms to handle name reservations instantly. Whenever a user submits a preferred business name, the system immediately approves it if available or suggests suitable alternatives in real time. By automating this process, CAC has eliminated unnecessary delays and improved the overall registration experience.

Magaji compared the simplicity of name reservations under the new system to opening a regular email account. Now, business owners can begin registration using just the National Identification Number (NIN) of one director or proprietor. As soon as the system verifies the NIN, it processes the application and delivers the registration certificate to the applicant’s email within 30 minutes or less.

By setting a target of under 30 minutes for business registration, CAC has introduced a new level of efficiency and convenience that matches global best practices. This improvement ensures that entrepreneurs can start their businesses without enduring long waits or bureaucratic hurdles.

AI-Powered Technology Solves NIN Verification Challenges

While identity verification typically relies on external validation from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the CAC has gone a step further by integrating AI technology to resolve potential delays. In situations where NIN verification stalls, the portal switches to facial recognition and photo ID matching tools to confirm the applicant’s identity.

This contingency solution, powered entirely by AI, guarantees continuity in the registration process. As a result, applicants no longer need to worry about stalled applications due to technical issues from third-party systems. This innovation not only maintains the momentum of the registration process but also significantly reduces human errors and fraud.

Stronger Data Security with OTP and Two-Factor Authentication

To further improve trust and transparency, the CAC announced upcoming security features, including Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and One-Time Password (OTP) verification. These features will ensure that no changes can be made to a company’s records without the direct approval and awareness of its registered directors or owners.

These security enhancements will protect users from identity theft, unauthorized changes, and cyber fraud. With these tools in place, CAC is aligning Nigeria’s corporate registration system with international cybersecurity standards, ensuring that data remains secure at every stage.

Mobile App Coming in Q4 2025 to Expand Accessibility

In addition to the AI portal, CAC is preparing to launch a mobile application in the last quarter of 2025. This app will allow users to perform all major transactions directly from their smartphones or tablets. Through the app, users can track registration progress, verify company information, and download official documents from anywhere, at any time.

By bringing CAC services to mobile devices, the Commission is removing geographical barriers and making business registration more inclusive, especially for entrepreneurs in remote or underserved areas. This mobile-first approach reflects CAC’s commitment to digital inclusivity and user-centered service delivery.

Service Fees to Be Adjusted from August 1 to Support Innovation

To sustain these technological upgrades and maintain top-tier service standards, CAC has announced a review of its service fees effective August 1, 2025. Magaji explained that the revised charges will help fund the Commission’s ongoing digital transformation and support future infrastructure needs.

This update ensures that CAC can continue to invest in AI tools, cybersecurity, user support, and system maintenance. The revised fees are structured to remain affordable while enabling the Commission to provide consistently high-quality services to businesses of all sizes.

Stakeholders Praise CAC for Bold Reforms and Digital Leadership

The 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum brought together respected leaders from Nigeria’s legal, business, and professional communities, who all praised the CAC’s commitment to innovation. Speakers at the event included Cordelia U. Eke, Chair of the Nigerian Bar Association (Port Harcourt branch); Sir Sebastian Essien, Chair of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSAN); and Elder Dogala Sakpege, Chair of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).

Other notable guests included Dr. Mechi Brown, Director of Industry at the Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Miema Akpa, who represented the Chair of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Port Harcourt branch. These stakeholders applauded CAC for leading the way in making business operations faster, more secure, and more accessible.

Conclusion: Nigeria Embraces a New Digital Era in Corporate Governance

With the introduction of the AI-powered registration portal, the Corporate Affairs Commission has taken a historic step in modernizing Nigeria’s business environment. This innovation not only simplifies the process of starting a company but also enhances security, reduces fraud, and shortens approval times.

By prioritizing technology, transparency, and user convenience, the CAC is setting a new standard for public service delivery in Nigeria. As more entrepreneurs embrace digital solutions, the country is poised to see stronger startup growth, improved investor confidence, and sustainable economic development.

This bold initiative signals that Nigeria is ready to compete globally in ease of doing business, and the CAC’s forward-thinking leadership is paving the way for a smarter, faster, and more inclusive corporate future.