Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has launched a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered registration portal, poised to significantly transform the ease of doing business in Nigeria. This new platform, a complete overhaul of the existing Company Registration Portal (CRP, was officially announced by the Registrar-General/CEO of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, today at the 2025 Stakeholders Forum in Port Harcourt.
Magaji highlighted the portal’s key innovations, emphasizing its role as a “major game changer.”
Instant Name Reservations and Streamlined Registration
One of the most anticipated features is the dramatically simplified name reservation process. According to Magaji, securing a business name will now be “as easy as opening an email account,” with instant approvals for available names. The intelligent system is designed to suggest suitable alternatives, ensuring quick selection and immediate confirmation.
Furthermore, the new portal introduces a special feature allowing business registration with only the National Identification Number (NIN) of a director or proprietor. This move is set to significantly reduce the bureaucratic hurdles often associated with business registration.
The CAC’s ambitious target time for business registration is now under 30 minutes to generate a certificate and deliver it directly to the customer’s email, subject to real-time NIN verification. While acknowledging potential occasional delays due to external validation from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the CAC has developed a contingency solution using AI-powered photo ID matching to mitigate such challenges.
Enhanced Security and Future Developments
Speaking on partnerships, the Registrar-General noted that the CAC is currently reviewing over 100 requests from “super agents,” including the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), both within and outside the country, to further enhance the registration ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Magaji revealed plans to soon unveil Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and OTP Verification for all transactions. This crucial security measure will ensure that no changes are made to any company record without the full knowledge and consent of the registered directors, safeguarding corporate data and preventing unauthorized alterations.
In a further commitment to seamless transactions and accessibility, a CAC Mobile App is also in the pipeline, expected by the last quarter of this year. This app will enable businesses to manage and track their transactions on the go.
Review of Service Fees
To maintain high-quality service delivery and implement vital reforms, the Registrar-General also announced that the Commission has found it necessary to review upward certain service fees, effective August 1, 2025. This adjustment is intended to support the continuous improvement and modernization of the CAC’s services.
The launch of this AI-driven portal marks a significant leap forward for Nigeria’s business landscape, promising greater efficiency, transparency, and ease for entrepreneurs and investors across the nation.
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