The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has unveiled plans to register 3,500 small businesses across Nigeria at no cost, covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Registrar-General, Hussaini Magaji, announced the initiative on Monday via the commission’s official X account, describing it as part of efforts to ease the burden of business formalisation for micro and small enterprises.
According to Magaji, the programme is designed to lower start-up costs and encourage entrepreneurs to move into the formal economy, where they can access government services, financing opportunities, and broader market participation.
“In the spirit of the celebration, the CAC has approved free business name registration for 3,500 small businesses, spread across the federation and the FCT,” the commission stated.
He explained that formal registration would help small business owners unlock growth opportunities while contributing more effectively to Nigeria’s economic development.
Reflecting on the commission’s 35-year journey, Magaji said the CAC has transformed into a technology-driven agency focused on transparency, efficiency, and global best practices.
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He also disclosed plans for a strategic partnership with Google, aimed at strengthening the commission’s digital infrastructure and improving service delivery.
The collaboration is expected to enhance portal performance and further support Nigeria’s ease-of-doing-business agenda.
In addition, the CAC has launched a redesigned website featuring new digital tools, including an AI Lawyer and a business name generator.
Magaji noted that the AI Lawyer will provide instant guidance on CAC regulations and processes, while the business name generator will help entrepreneurs quickly secure scalable business names.