The digitisation of Nigeria’s corporate registry is gaining renewed momentum, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, Registrar-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) says as he welcomes fresh backing from the British High Commission.
The development is emerging as both parties met on Monday at the CAC headquarters in Abuja to review progress and strengthen cooperation on overhauling legacy records—some of which date back to 1912—under a growing digital transformation plan by the corporate registry.
The British High Commission backs Nigeria’s plan to accelerate the archival modernisation initiative.
CAC says it is continuing to scan and digitise legacy corporate records to improve efficiency, reduce turnaround time for services, and ensure improved access for businesses, legal practitioners, and regulators.
CAC ‘continues to integrate more digital systems’
During the meeting, Chris Okeke of the CAC describes the engagement as a follow-up to a similar dialogue held in November 2024, noting that the ongoing digitisation aligns with wider regulatory compliance reforms across government institutions.
CAC says it is continuing to scan and digitise legacy corporate records to improve efficiency, reduce turnaround time for services, and ensure improved access for businesses, legal practitioners, and regulators.
The initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to create a transparent, digitally-driven business environment, stakeholders are being told.
Jehanzeb Khan of the British High Commission also underscores the importance of enforcement and compliance in unlocking long-term reforms. “Implementation of enforcement and compliance are necessary components for meaningful impact on businesses and anti-corruption, amongst others,” Khan says.
The Registrar-General reaffirms the Commission’s resolve to use digital tools in monitoring compliance by registered entities, particularly on mandatory filings such as annual returns and post-incorporation updates.
Magaji expresses gratitude for the British High Commission’s interest in supporting the CAC’s digital transformation efforts, which he says are already driving enhanced regulatory oversight.
In a post-meeting update, the CAC confirms the nomination of a six-member internal working group to collaborate with the British mission in identifying additional areas for technical support and institutional cooperation.
According to CAC, this collaboration is expected to bolster efforts to enhance service delivery, curb bureaucratic delays, and promote transparency in Nigeria’s business environment.
The digitisation project is being regarded as a critical milestone for the Commission, especially as Nigeria is intensifying efforts to improve its ranking on global ease of doing business indices.
As the CAC continues to integrate more digital systems across its operations, the Commission says it is positioning itself to play a pivotal role in the Federal Government’s drive to attract investment and boost confidence in the country’s regulatory institutions.
For Nigerian entrepreneurs, legal firms, and corporate stakeholders, the digitisation of the CAC archive is expected to bring tangible improvements to turnaround time in business registration and statutory compliance processes.
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