Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has launched a pilot artificial intelligence-powered registration portal that promises to complete business incorporations within 30 minutes. The announcement came during the 2025 Stakeholders Forum in Port Harcourt.
The new system replaces the previous process that typically took 2-5 working days for business name registrations and up to 10 days for limited liability companies. Registrar-General and CEO Hussaini Ishaq Magaji revealed that the AI portal can process applications using only a director’s National Identification Number (NIN).
“The target time for business registration is under 30 minutes to generate a certificate and deliver to the customer’s email, subject to real-time NIN verification,” Magaji explained during the forum announcement.
The portal’s core functionality centers on real-time NIN verification through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database. Once verification succeeds, the system automatically generates incorporation certificates and delivers them via email within the promised timeframe.
However, Magaji acknowledged potential delays due to NIMC server responsiveness. The CAC has built contingency measures into the platform, including AI-powered photo ID matching to overcome verification bottlenecks.
Instant Name Reservation Eliminates Traditional Bottlenecks
The AI system provides immediate name availability checks and reservations, eliminating the traditional 24-48 hour waiting period. Magaji compared the process to opening an email account, where the system intelligently suggests available alternatives when requested names are unavailable.
This feature addresses one of the major pain points in Nigeria’s business registration process, where entrepreneurs often faced delays due to name conflicts or lengthy approval procedures.
Enhanced Security Features Protect Business Records
The commission plans to implement two-factor authentication with One-Time Password (OTP) verification for all transactions. This security layer ensures that only registered directors can authorize changes to company records, preventing unauthorized modifications.
The enhanced security measures respond to growing concerns about digital fraud and identity theft in Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
Mobile App Launch Scheduled for Q4 2025
CAC will launch a mobile application in the final quarter of 2025, which will allow users to track and manage business registration transactions from their smartphones. The app will complement the web-based portal, providing greater accessibility for entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
Partnership Expansion with Over 100 Super Agents
The commission is reviewing more than 100 partnership requests from local and international service providers, including the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). These partnerships aim to expand access points and streamline service delivery across the country.
The partnership model will create additional touchpoints for business registration, particularly in underserved areas where internet connectivity or digital literacy may pose challenges.
Service Fee Adjustments Take Effect August 1
CAC announced a service fee review effective August 1, 2025, citing the need to maintain service quality and support ongoing digital transformation initiatives. The fee adjustments will help fund the technological infrastructure required for the AI portal’s operation.
Digital Transformation Addresses Nigeria’s Business Climate
Nigeria ranked 131st out of 190 economies in the World Bank’s last Ease of Doing Business report, with business registration identified as a key improvement area. The AI portal directly addresses this challenge by dramatically reducing registration timeframes and complexity.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to improve government service delivery and enhance the country’s competitiveness in attracting investment.
Stakeholder Reception and Industry Impact
The 2025 Stakeholders Forum in Port Harcourt featured representatives from major professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, and Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises. Their presence underscores the broad industry support for the digital transformation initiative.
The forum also included a CAC technical team to address customer complaints and provide real-time solutions to registration challenges, demonstrating the commission’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Implementation Timeline and Future Developments
While the portal has launched in pilot mode, CAC plans to gradually expand its capabilities and user base. The commission will monitor system performance and user feedback to optimize the platform before full-scale deployment.
The success of this AI-powered initiative could serve as a model for other government agencies in Nigeria and across Africa, potentially accelerating broader digital transformation efforts in public service delivery.
The CAC’s AI portal signals Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging technology for economic development and improved citizen services. As the pilot program progresses, its impact on business formation rates and overall economic activity will be closely monitored by policymakers and international observers.
