Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has delayed the rollout of revised fees and penalties tied to document downloads on its recently upgraded business registration platform, following user complaints and operational hiccups. The policy, originally set to take effect on August 1, 2025, will now be enforced starting September 1, 2025, granting businesses and stakeholders an additional month to adapt.
In a public statement issued on Monday, the commission acknowledged challenges faced by users since transitioning to the new portal, including persistent difficulties in accessing filed documents, delays in payment processing, and glitches during post-incorporation filings for business names. The announcement also clarified that under the revised framework, penalties would apply to users downloading documents more than seven days after submission—a measure initially introduced to streamline administrative processes.
CAC attributed the postponement to feedback from businesses, legal professionals, and other stakeholders, alongside unresolved technical issues disrupting user experience. “The decision reflects our commitment to minimizing disruptions while ensuring seamless service delivery,” the notice stated, emphasizing collaboration with external tech teams to resolve bugs without taking the portal offline. Stakeholders had raised concerns over potential bottlenecks, particularly for small businesses navigating compliance under tighter deadlines.
The upgrade, designed to modernize Nigeria’s company registration system, aims to enhance efficiency and transparency. However, early adopters reported inconsistent functionality, such as failed uploads of mandatory documents and lag times during high-traffic periods. While the commission did not specify the exact nature of the technical setbacks, it assured users that fixes would prioritize stability and accessibility. Analysts note that prolonged instability could affect Nigeria’s business environment, where the CAC oversees the formalization of enterprises—a critical step for economic growth and foreign investment.
The delay underscores the balancing act between digitizing public services and maintaining user trust during transitions. Regulatory experts suggest the additional month could help businesses adjust to the fee structure, which has not been publicly detailed but is expected to align with broader efforts to fund system improvements. For now, the CAC has urged users to report issues promptly, pledging continued updates as the September deadline approaches.
