Nigeria’s corporate regulatory landscape is set for a deeper technological shift as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) pledged full backing for the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to integrate artificial intelligence into its operations.
The commitment was made by NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, during the Commission’s 35th anniversary celebration held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Inuwa positioned artificial intelligence as the next frontier of institutional reform, stressing that the era of basic digitisation has passed. According to him, sustainable transformation in public institutions now requires embedding AI directly into operational frameworks.
“We are in the AI era, and the only way to transform today is to embrace and integrate AI into your operations,” he said, noting that the CAC’s leadership had demonstrated foresight in prioritising innovation from the outset.
Inuwa commended the Commission’s resilience and steady growth trajectory over the past three and a half decades, observing that while many organisations experience cycles of rapid rise and decline, the CAC has maintained consistent progress.
He assured the Commission of NITDA’s readiness to provide regulatory guidance, technical standards, capacity building, and oversight to ensure the responsible deployment of AI tools across CAC systems.
According to the NITDA chief, AI integration would infuse intelligence into workflows, simplify company registration and business management processes, and enhance cybersecurity architecture.
He added that advanced AI systems would enable CAC personnel to detect fraudulent activities, prevent hacking attempts, and safeguard company records from unauthorised alterations.
“At NITDA, we will make sure you deploy ethical and responsible AI in your operations, with the right guardrails in place,” he stated.
Highlighting the Commission’s digital milestones, Inuwa noted that company registration timelines have already been reduced from several months to as little as 24 hours — a reform he described as bold and impactful.
He added that further AI adoption could automate filings, enhance name search and reservation systems, strengthen corporate governance compliance, and significantly reduce fraud.
He also disclosed that NITDA is actively reviewing CAC’s digital and AI transformation roadmaps to ensure alignment with national standards and best practices, with a focus on secure, people-centred service delivery.
Congratulating the Commission’s management and staff, as well as members of the National Assembly for their legislative support, Inuwa expressed confidence that the deepening partnership between both agencies would accelerate reforms and further strengthen Nigeria’s digital business environment.
