CAC @35: Driving Digital Reform & Empowering Small Businesses
A Milestone for Corporate Regulation
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening digital transformation and expanding support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as it marks 35 years of corporate regulation in Nigeria.
The Registrar-General of the Commission, Hussaini Magaji, restated this commitment during a “Celebration Walk” organised by the CAC on Saturday in Abuja, an event that brought together staff and management to commemorate the agency’s journey and evolving mandate.
According to Magaji, the anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on how far the Commission has come—from a largely manual, office-based registry to a modern, technology-driven institution delivering services across borders.
From Manual Registry to Digital Platform
Magaji said one of the most significant achievements of the CAC over the past decade has been its transition to a fully digital, end-to-end service delivery system. He noted that entrepreneurs can now register businesses remotely, without stepping into any CAC office.
“Today, CAC provides services anywhere, anytime and 24 hours a day. You can register your business from your room without coming to our offices,” he said.
The registrar-general explained that the reforms have simplified business registration processes, reduced bureaucratic delays and strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s business environment. He added that the digitisation drive aligns with broader national efforts to improve the ease of doing business and attract both local and foreign investment.
Cleaning the Corporate Register
As part of its reform agenda, Magaji disclosed that the Commission de-registered over 400,000 companies in 2025 alone. He said the exercise was aimed at removing inactive, non-compliant and dormant entities from the national companies register.
According to him, maintaining an accurate and credible database is critical to safeguarding the integrity of corporate regulation in Nigeria.
“This is about protecting the integrity of our register and ensuring that it reflects the true state of business activity in the country,” he said.
Boosting MSME Formalisation
Beyond regulation, Magaji emphasised the CAC’s growing role in supporting MSMEs, which form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. He revealed that the Commission, in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), facilitated free business registrations for 250,000 entrepreneurs.
The initiative, he explained, was designed to lower the cost of formalisation and encourage small businesses to operate within the regulated economy.
By removing registration barriers, the CAC hopes to help MSMEs access financing, government support programmes and broader market opportunities.
Advancing Corporate Transparency
Magaji also highlighted the operationalisation of the Beneficial Ownership Register, describing it as a major step towards transparency and accountability in corporate governance.
The register enables the public and relevant authorities to identify the ultimate owners of companies operating in Nigeria, helping to curb financial crimes and illicit financial flows.
According to him, the initiative has gained international recognition and positioned Nigeria as a reference point in global efforts to promote corporate transparency.
Focus on Staff Welfare
The registrar-general said staff welfare remains a key priority for the Commission. He announced the introduction of housing and vehicle loan schemes, alongside plans to establish a health facility to cater for serving and retired staff.
He noted that the anniversary celebration was also a tribute to the workforce whose resilience and dedication have sustained the Commission’s reforms.
“The strength you see here today represents our workforce and their dedication to serving over 200 million Nigerians,” Magaji said.
Looking Ahead
As the CAC marks its 35th anniversary, the Commission says it remains focused on innovation, transparency and service delivery. With digital reforms firmly in place and expanded MSME support underway, the Commission is positioning itself for a future defined by efficiency, accountability and inclusive economic growth.
