The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has unveiled plans to launch an AI-driven company registration portal designed to simplify and expedite the business registration process. This move is aimed at ensuring greater compliance within Nigeria’s vast micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector, which remains significantly underformalised.
According to Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, the Registrar-General of the CAC, the new system will reduce registration timelines from the current 24 hours—or, in some cases, up to three days—to just 30 minutes. By eliminating human interference, this innovative approach seeks to enhance transparency, efficiency, and investor confidence in the Nigerian business ecosystem.
What This Means for Business Owners
For business owners, particularly MSMEs, the implications are clear: formalising your business has never been easier. The traditional delays caused by manual processes are being eliminated, making compliance faster and more accessible.
Why Formalisation Matters
Engaging in business without formal registration exposes entrepreneurs to significant risks, including:
- Limited Access to Opportunities: Unregistered businesses are often ineligible for government interventions, grants, and partnerships with corporate entities.
- Legal and Financial Exposure: Operating informally can attract penalties and sanctions as regulatory bodies begin to enforce compliance.
- Global Compliance Concerns: Informal businesses may be flagged for risks such as fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing, deterring potential investors or partners.
The CAC’s new system is also a step toward aligning Nigeria with global best practices by fostering a business environment that supports local and foreign investors.
Key Actions for MSME Owners
- Leverage the Free Registration Window: If your business remains unregistered, take advantage of the ongoing free registration initiative. This is especially critical for Point of Sale (PoS) operators and other MSMEs targeted in the CAC’s formalisation drive.
- Prepare for Regulatory Changes: The CAC is working with regulators to impose sanctions on businesses that fail to comply with formalisation requirements. It is prudent to act now before enforcement begins.
- Monitor Updates: With the integration of third-party platforms like Opay, Palmpay, and Moniepoint into the CAC system, businesses can expect a more seamless registration process. Stay informed about these developments to make the most of them.
Addressing Misconceptions
There is a common belief that formalisation is a costly or overly complex process, particularly for small businesses. This is no longer the case. The new AI-driven portal removes unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, providing an efficient and cost-effective solution for business registration.
Another misconception is that multiple registrations are required for PoS operators. The Registrar-General clarified that only one registration is necessary, simplifying compliance for businesses operating in this sector.
Long-Term Implications
The CAC’s goal of achieving 50% formalisation among Nigeria’s over 40 million MSMEs is ambitious but crucial. Formalisation not only protects businesses but also strengthens the Nigerian economy by increasing tax compliance, enhancing financial inclusion, and reducing illicit financial activities.
Moreover, the CAC’s enhanced portal will support better post-incorporation compliance. This includes filing statutory returns, maintaining accurate records, and properly disclosing significant controllers—actions that many businesses have historically overlooked.
How ICA-Ibe, Chido & Associates Can Assist
While this article serves as a guide to understanding the CAC’s reforms, it is important to note that navigating compliance processes often requires a tailored approach. At ICA–Ibe, Chido & Associates, we are committed to providing insights into the evolving regulatory landscape, ensuring that businesses remain informed and compliant with Nigerian laws.
By staying proactive and embracing these changes, Nigerian business owners can position themselves for growth, attract investment, and contribute to a more robust and transparent business ecosystem.
