LThe Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced plans to deploy an artificial intelligence (AI) agent to help clear a mounting backlog of company registration applications, which has risen to more than 7,000.
The move, disclosed by CAC Registrar-General Hussaini Magaji in Abuja on Monday, comes amid growing complaints from entrepreneurs and business owners over delays in securing certificates of incorporation and other statutory documents. The backlog, officials say, has been fueled by the rising number of new business registrations in Nigeria, coupled with technical and staffing challenges faced by the commission in recent months.
Magaji explained that the adoption of an AI-driven system is aimed at streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and reducing human error in the handling of applications. “We are introducing an AI agent that will accelerate registration timelines and ensure applicants receive their approvals without unnecessary delays,” he said.
According to him, the AI agent will be integrated into the CAC’s existing online platform and will be capable of handling routine verification, documentation checks, and application tracking. The technology is expected to drastically reduce waiting periods, allowing the commission to meet its target of providing near real-time registration services.
Stakeholders in the business community have welcomed the development, describing it as a necessary step to strengthen Nigeria’s ease of doing business agenda. However, some cautioned that the technology must be backed by strong oversight to guard against technical failures or misuse.
The CAC has pledged to address concerns, assuring applicants that data security, accuracy, and transparency will remain top priorities. Magaji added that training programs are being designed for staff to work alongside the AI agent, ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.
The commission emphasized that clearing the backlog of applications is an urgent priority, as delayed registration often prevents businesses from opening bank accounts, applying for loans, or entering into legal contracts. With the AI agent set to go live in the coming weeks, the CAC says it is confident that the current backlog will be cleared and processing times will be significantly reduced going forward.
