The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has marked its 35th anniversary by underscoring its digital transformation and ongoing support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as cornerstones of its modern regulatory mandate. Registrar-General Hussaini Magaji conveyed these priorities during a “Celebration Walk” event in Abuja, highlighting a significant evolution from a manual, location-based registry to a fully digital service provider.
Magaji stated that the CAC’s digital reforms have fundamentally improved Nigeria’s ease of doing business. Entrepreneurs can now complete business registrations remotely, accessing services 24/7 without visiting physical offices. This shift, he noted, has strengthened confidence in the national business environment and enhanced transparency in corporate regulation.
As part of efforts to maintain a credible national companies register, the commission de-registered over 400,000 inactive or non-compliant companies in 2025 alone. This “clean-up” aims to protect the integrity of corporate data.
Support for MSMEs remains a key focus. The CAC, in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), facilitated free business registrations for 250,000 entrepreneurs. Magaji described this initiative as an intervention to reduce the cost of formalisation and integrate small businesses into the regulated economy.
Furthermore, the commission has operationalised a Beneficial Ownership Register, enabling public identification of company ultimate owners. Magaji positioned this tool as a global reference for promoting transparency and combating financial crimes.
Staff welfare was also highlighted, with the announcement of new housing and vehicle loan schemes and plans to establish an on-site health facility for serving and retired employees. The Registrar-General credited the commission’s workforce for its resilience and dedication to serving Nigeria’s population.
The anniversary event, featuring a symbolic staff walk, celebrated 35 years of corporate regulation and reform. The CAC’s activities reflect a strategic pivot towards leveraging technology for accessibility, cleansing its database, and fostering a more transparent and inclusive business ecosystem for MSMEs.
