As Nigeria strives to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030, the Corporate Affairs Commission’s (CAC) bold move to deploy an Artificial Intelligence (AI) agent to clear a backlog of 7,000 company registration applications is a step we applaud, but one we insist must deliver tangible results. Announced by Registrar-General Hussaini Magaji at a stakeholders’ forum in Kano on September 22, 2025, this AI-driven overhaul of the Company Registration Portal, launched in June, promises to streamline compliance, registry, and customer-service tasks with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Yet, as the CAC grapples with teething problems and an overwhelming volume of applications, we urge the Commission to ensure this technological leap translates into real-world efficiency, not just lofty rhetoric.
The CAC’s initiative is timely. Nigeria’s business environment, long criticized for bureaucratic bottlenecks, needs urgent reform to attract investment and foster entrepreneurship. The new portal’s features – instant name approvals, automatic alternative name suggestions, and a user-friendly interface akin to opening an email account – are designed to simplify the registration process. Magaji’s vision of an AI capable of processing 3,000 daily emails in a minute, triaging correspondence, and rerouting requests to appropriate departments is ambitious. If executed well, it could revolutionize how businesses interact with the CAC, cutting delays that frustrate entrepreneurs and deter investors.
However, we cannot ignore the challenges. The Commission has admitted to delays caused by an unexpectedly high volume of applications, with 7,000 registrations pending and 3,000 emails flooding in daily. These “teething problems” risk undermining confidence in the system. Small businesses, which form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, cannot afford to be stalled by inefficiencies. The frustration of entrepreneurs waiting weeks for approvals echoes the broader struggle of navigating Nigeria’s regulatory landscape. While the CAC’s AI solution is promising, we caution that technology alone is not a panacea. It must be paired with robust infrastructure, trained personnel, and transparent communication to address user concerns.
We also see the CAC’s move as part of a broader national push to leverage technology for economic growth. With Nigeria’s GDP growing by 4.23% in Q2 2025, driven by reforms like those championed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which saw a 411% revenue surge to N3.64 trillion in September 2025, the government is signaling a commitment to modernization. The CAC’s AI portal aligns with this vision, aiming to make Nigeria a more attractive destination for business. Yet, we must ask: will this initiative truly ease the burden on entrepreneurs, or will it become another ambitious plan mired in execution challenges?
The stakes are high. A streamlined CAC could unlock Nigeria’s entrepreneurial potential, particularly for its youth, who make up a significant portion of its 236 million population. By reducing registration delays, the Commission can empower startups to contribute to economic diversification, especially in non-oil sectors like fintech and creative industries, which have driven recent GDP growth. But for this to happen, the CAC must address user complaints promptly, ensure the AI system is accessible to all, and provide clear guidance to navigate the new portal. We also urge the Commission to invest in public awareness campaigns to educate businesses, particularly in underserved regions, about the portal’s features.
Moreover, we call on the CAC to maintain accountability. The promise of processing thousands of emails in a minute is impressive, but it must be backed by measurable outcomes-fewer backlogs, faster approvals, and improved customer satisfaction. Regular updates on the portal’s performance, including data on processed applications and resolved inquiries, would build trust. The CAC should also engage stakeholders beyond urban centers like Kano, ensuring that rural entrepreneurs, who often face greater barriers, benefit from this digital transformation.
As Nigeria pushes for global competitiveness, we believe the CAC’s AI initiative could be a game-changer, but only if it delivers on its potential. The Commission must avoid the pitfalls of past reforms, where bold announcements fizzled out due to poor implementation. We urge Magaji and his team to prioritize user experience, address technical glitches swiftly, and ensure the AI system is inclusive, catering to both tech-savvy startups and small businesses with limited digital literacy.
