The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven registration portal designed to simplify company registration processes and deliver certificates of incorporation in under 30 minutes.
Registrar-General and Chief Executive Officer of the CAC, Hussaini Magaji, announced the new platform during the Commission’s 2025 Stakeholders Forum held in Port Harcourt.
The launch represents an overhaul of Nigeria’s Company Registration Portal (CRP) in a move to enhance the ease of doing business in the country.
Magaji stated that the AI-enabled portal will automate key steps such as name reservation, documentation, and certificate generation.
He described the new system as “a game changer” that aligns with the Commission’s commitment to deliver faster, smarter, and more reliable services.
Under the upgraded platform, business owners can now initiate registration using only the National Identification Number (NIN) of a director or proprietor. The system verifies the NIN in real time and automatically generates the certificate of registration, which is sent directly to the applicant’s email within 30 minutes of successful verification.
“Name reservation under the new system is now as simple as opening an email account,” Magaji said. “The AI engine provides instant suggestions and real-time approvals, significantly reducing the time and effort required to reserve unique business names.”
In addition to instant name approvals, the AI portal is programmed to suggest alternative names if a preferred option is unavailable. The Commission has also developed an AI-powered photo ID matching tool to address identity verification issues and improve security.
Magaji emphasised that the new portal is expected to transform Nigeria’s business environment by removing bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically slowed down company registration and formalisation.
Industry stakeholders at the forum described the initiative as a positive step towards boosting investor confidence and encouraging small business growth, especially among start-ups and entrepreneurs seeking quick market entry.
The CAC’s push for digital transformation aligns with Nigeria’s broader agenda to attract investment by improving its global ranking on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index.
According to Magaji, the Commission will continue to refine the portal and expand its capabilities to cover other statutory services.
“The introduction of AI in the registration process demonstrates our resolve to leverage technology in delivering world-class services and positioning Nigeria as a competitive destination for business,” he said.
With the new AI-powered portal now live, prospective business owners are expected to experience faster turnaround times, reduced paperwork, and more efficient processing—marking a significant milestone in the CAC’s ongoing reform agenda.
