Registrar-General of the CAC, Malam Hussaini Magaji, announced the initiative during the Commission’s 2025 Stakeholders Forum held in Port Harcourt. Addressing attendees drawn from legal, corporate governance, and industry circles, Magaji described the new portal as a complete overhaul of the existing Company Registration Portal (CRP), equipped with advanced features designed to make business registration faster and more user-friendly.
According to Magaji, one of the standout features is instant name reservation approvals, which he likened to the simplicity of creating an email account. The AI system can suggest available alternatives if a proposed business name is unavailable, offering immediate approval to cut delays and reduce the traditional back-and-forth process.
“Another innovation is the ability to register a business using only the National Identification Number (NIN) of a director or proprietor,” Magaji explained. He said the Commission is targeting a dramatic reduction in processing times, aiming to complete business registration and generate certificates within 30 minutes—subject to real-time NIN validation with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Magaji acknowledged that occasional delays could occur due to external data verification requirements. To mitigate this, he said the Commission has developed an AI-powered photo ID matching contingency to support applicants when NIN validation is slow or unavailable.
Beyond the new portal, Magaji outlined broader digital transformation plans for the Commission. He revealed that CAC is processing over 100 applications from Super Agents, including requests from firms outside Nigeria. The Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) was singled out as one of the strategic private-sector partners under consideration for deeper collaboration.
Magaji also previewed several upcoming digital features designed to strengthen security and user experience. Among these are Two-Factor Authentication and OTP Verification for all transactions, intended to prevent unauthorised changes to company records.
Additionally, he announced plans to launch a CAC Mobile App in the last quarter of 2025. The app will allow users to initiate transactions, track progress, and manage compliance on the go—furthering the Commission’s goal of delivering accessible, customer-centric services.
On the Commission’s ongoing reforms, Magaji said CAC would implement a review of certain service fees effective August 1. He explained that the adjustment is necessary to sustain quality service delivery and fund the digital transformation agenda.
The Stakeholders Forum attracted key figures from the business and professional community. Attendees included Cordelia Eke, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Port Harcourt Branch; Mr Sebastian Essien, Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN); Mr Dogala Sakpege, Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME); and Dr Mechi Brown, Director of Industry at the Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, among others.
During an interactive session, participants engaged directly with CAC’s technical team, which was on hand to address complaints, clarify procedures, and offer real-time solutions to registration and compliance challenges.
The initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to improve its business climate, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and encourage formalisation among small and medium-sized enterprises—the backbone of the country’s economy.