The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced plans to revolutionise Nigeria’s business registration process by reducing the time required to register a company to just 10 minutes. This bold move aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda to improve the ease of doing business, enhance digital efficiency, and attract more local and foreign investors to the country.
The Registrar-General of the CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, disclosed the plan during a press briefing in Abuja, explaining that the commission has already made significant strides in automating its operations. He stated that the 10-minute registration target would be achieved through the deployment of advanced technology, process re-engineering, and integration with other government platforms.

Magaji said the new initiative would mark a historic milestone in Nigeria’s business environment by eliminating bureaucratic delays that have long hindered entrepreneurs from quickly formalising their enterprises. He noted that the goal reflects the CAC’s vision to make business registration in Nigeria one of the fastest and most seamless in Africa.
“Our target is simple — we want to make business registration so efficient that an entrepreneur can complete the entire process in just 10 minutes from anywhere in the world. The commission has already achieved same-day registration; now we are pushing further to achieve this record time through full automation,” Magaji stated.
He emphasised that the initiative is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic reform, job creation, and digital transformation. According to him, the CAC is collaborating with key government agencies, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), to ensure smooth integration of business verification, tax registration, and identity authentication systems.
Magaji explained that the commission’s digital transformation drive would enable individuals to carry out all registration processes online, from document submission to payment and certificate issuance. This, he said, would not only reduce turnaround time but also minimise human interference and corruption risks.
“The future of business regulation is technology-driven. We are leveraging automation and artificial intelligence to make processes faster, smarter, and more secure. The new CAC portal will allow users to upload required documents, verify names, pay online, and receive their certificates instantly — all without visiting any physical office,” he added.
The CAC boss also revealed that the commission had recently upgraded its electronic registration portal to handle a higher volume of users and improve user experience. He said the new system features a user-friendly interface, real-time data verification, and faster response times, making it easier for business owners and corporate lawyers to navigate.
He noted that the commission has been engaging with stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), business associations, and tech experts, to ensure that the reform meets global best practices. Magaji stated that the CAC’s goal is to position Nigeria among the top 50 countries in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index.
In addition to faster registration times, the CAC is also working to improve post-registration services such as company updates, annual returns filing, and beneficial ownership disclosure. The commission aims to fully automate these processes to promote transparency, reduce administrative delays, and make compliance easier for business owners.
Magaji further disclosed that the CAC is exploring partnerships with technology companies to deploy artificial intelligence tools that can detect fraudulent filings and prevent multiple registrations of similar business names. He noted that these tools would help maintain data integrity within Nigeria’s corporate registry.
“The integrity of our records is key to investor confidence. Through the use of AI and digital verification systems, we can ensure that only legitimate businesses are registered and that the information in our database remains accurate and up to date,” he said.
Business owners and entrepreneurs across Nigeria have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a game-changer for startups and small businesses. They believe the 10-minute registration goal, if achieved, would drastically lower entry barriers and encourage more informal businesses to become legally recognised.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Dr. Abdulrasheed Yerima, commended the CAC for its digital transformation agenda, noting that faster registration will boost investor confidence and promote entrepreneurship. He added that the ease of formalisation would help more small businesses access funding, government incentives, and international partnerships.
Analysts also observed that the reform could strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global business landscape. With more efficient registration systems, the country could attract tech startups, foreign investors, and multinational corporations seeking a quick entry into the market.
However, some stakeholders have called for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect user data, especially as the process becomes fully digital. They urged the CAC to ensure the platform is protected against hacking and data breaches, given the sensitivity of business registration information.
Magaji assured that the commission has implemented top-tier security protocols to safeguard users’ data and ensure compliance with Nigeria’s data protection laws. He reiterated that the CAC remains committed to continuous improvement and innovation.
“The world is moving fast, and Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind. Our mission is to provide entrepreneurs with the tools and efficiency they need to grow their businesses quickly. The 10-minute registration goal is not just a target — it is a commitment to creating a more business-friendly Nigeria,” Magaji concluded.
If fully implemented, the initiative could redefine Nigeria’s business landscape, making it easier for entrepreneurs to establish ventures and contribute to national economic growth. The CAC’s 10-minute registration goal stands as a bold step toward digital transformation, transparency, and improved ease of doing business in Africa’s largest economy.
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