AI Drives Surge in Business Registrations at CAC

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has recorded a sharp rise in business registration activity following the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) across its service delivery platforms.

According to the commission, daily registration requests now run into several thousands, reflecting growing demand from entrepreneurs, startups, and digital businesses seeking formal recognition.

The increase comes amid broader economic reforms encouraging the formalisation of enterprises and the rapid expansion of online and technology-driven ventures.

Speaking at an event marking the commission’s 35th anniversary in Abuja, Registrar-General Hussaini Magaji said the adoption of AI had transformed the commission’s ability to manage rising volumes of applications and customer interactions without compromising service quality.

He explained that the scale of current demand would be unmanageable under traditional manual systems, noting that artificial intelligence has become central to improving processing speed, accuracy, and responsiveness.

Beyond registrations, the commission now handles thousands of customer enquiries daily through automated and digital channels.

The CAC’s transformation reflects its evolution from a single physical office in the early 1990s into a fully digital corporate registry offering round-the-clock services to users within and outside Nigeria. While the transition to an AI-enabled portal presented initial challenges, officials say system stability and turnaround times have improved significantly since the rollout.

As part of its digital expansion, the commission has introduced new AI-powered tools on its revamped online platform. These include automated assistance for regulatory guidance and intelligent features designed to simplify business name reservations and compliance processes.

The CAC is also strengthening its technology backbone through strategic partnerships. A collaboration with Google is expected to enhance system performance, reliability, and scalability, supporting the commission’s long-term goal of improving ease of doing business in Nigeria.

Lawmakers have welcomed the reforms, describing them as critical to reducing entry barriers for entrepreneurs and strengthening Nigeria’s structured economy.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Commerce Ahmed Munir said the commission’s digital shift has simplified business formation and empowered millions to move from informal operations into the formal sector.