CAC Launches AI-Powered Company Registration Portal to Boost Business Efficiency in 30 Minutes

the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has launched the pilot phase of a cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven company registration portal. This innovation is designed to simplify and accelerate business registrations, removing long-standing bureaucratic hurdles that have plagued entrepreneurs and corporate entities.

The development was officially announced by Malam Hussaini Magaji (SAN), the Registrar-General of the CAC, during the 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The new system marks a full upgrade and overhaul of the existing Company Registration Portal (CRP), with the aim of creating a seamless, efficient, and user-friendly experience for business operators.

A Technological Leap Forward in Business Registration

Speaking at the forum, Magaji described the AI-powered platform as a “breakthrough” in Nigeria’s business facilitation efforts. He emphasized that the innovation aligns with global best practices and will enhance transparency, reduce human interference, and significantly cut down processing time.

“This is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s business facilitation journey,” he declared. “The new system introduces full automation and intelligence-driven processing, setting a new standard for public sector digital services.”

Among the portal’s key features is the automatic name reservation system, which uses AI to instantly approve or suggest alternatives for business names. Previously, applicants often had to wait for manual approvals, resulting in unnecessary delays and follow-ups.

“With the new platform, reserving a business name is now as fast and easy as creating an email account,” Magaji explained.

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NIN-Based Registration for Speed and Simplicity

One of the most groundbreaking innovations in the new system is its ability to facilitate business registration using only the National Identification Number (NIN) of a director or proprietor. This eliminates the need for manual document uploads or third-party verification, provided that NIN validation is completed in real-time.

According to the Registrar-General, the system is being designed to enable business registration and certificate issuance within 30 minutes, a dramatic improvement from the previous timeframe that could span several days or even weeks.

“The use of NIN as a single verification and authentication mechanism streamlines the process and boosts data integrity,” he added.

This feature is expected to encourage more individuals to formalize their businesses, particularly in Nigeria’s expansive informal sector.

Alignment with Ease of Doing Business Objectives

The launch of the AI-driven platform aligns with broader efforts by the federal government to improve Nigeria’s ranking on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business index. In recent years, the CAC has taken several steps to digitize its operations, but this latest development is seen as a game-changer.

The move comes amid growing pressure from entrepreneurs and investors for government institutions to reduce red tape and digitize processes that often delay critical business operations.

“This innovation is not just a tech upgrade; it is a policy tool for economic empowerment and investment growth,” Magaji stated. “By simplifying the business registration process, we are opening the door for millions of Nigerians to join the formal economy.”

Stakeholders React Positively

Initial responses from stakeholders at the Port Harcourt forum were largely positive. Many praised the Commission for adopting forward-thinking technology and expressed optimism that the platform would reduce corruption, increase transparency, and promote investor confidence.

Business consultant and entrepreneur Grace Udoka said, “This is a major leap forward. If implemented effectively, it will drastically reduce the stress and cost associated with registering a company in Nigeria.”

Another stakeholder, IT specialist Femi Adebayo, emphasized the importance of ensuring data security and system reliability. “AI is powerful, but the Commission must ensure that user data is protected, and the platform remains accessible without technical glitches,” he noted.

Full Rollout Expected Soon

While the pilot phase is currently underway, Magaji confirmed that the full-scale rollout of the AI-powered registration system will follow shortly after field testing and stakeholder feedback are completed. The Commission aims to use insights from the pilot to fine-tune the platform and ensure smooth nationwide deployment.

With this initiative, the CAC is not only embracing innovation but is also positioning itself as a driver of public sector digital transformation in Nigeria. If successful, the new system could serve as a model for other government agencies seeking to adopt technology for improved service delivery.