The Corporate Affairs Commission has rolled out new compulsory information fields for anyone seeking to update an existing business name online. The directive takes immediate effect and is part of the agency’s broader effort to strengthen the integrity of its records.

In a notice shared on its official X page on Wednesday, the commission said applicants will now be required to submit more detailed personal and contact information before any update request is processed. According to the CAC, the additional data will help improve verification procedures and ensure that communication with proprietors is faster and more reliable.

“Every Business Name Online Update submission must include date of birth, registered office email, proprietor’s email address, phone number for the registered office or proprietor, where different, and a valid means of identification,” the agency stated.

Part of wider digital reforms

According to reports, the new rules reflect ongoing reforms within the commission aimed at combating document inconsistencies, reducing fraudulent filings, and making the online portal more responsive. Industry analysts note that the CAC has been expanding its digital infrastructure over the past few years, shifting from paper-based records to an increasingly automated system.

Experts say the move was expected. Speaking to Punch recently about similar reforms, Lagos-based corporate lawyer Tunde Adeyemi explained that stricter verification is becoming standard among registries worldwide. He added that clearer data trails make it easier to track ownership, improve compliance audits, and protect business records from unauthorized changes.

What the CAC expects from business owners

The commission said the new information requirements will help streamline its database and make routine checks faster for regulators and entrepreneurs. It encouraged proprietors to ensure that all details provided are accurate to avoid delays in processing their applications.

The CAC serves as Nigeria’s primary authority for the registration and regulation of companies, business names, and incorporated trustees. Its recent updates form part of a long-running push to modernize operations and offer more efficient services through digital platforms.

As online filings increase nationwide, the commission maintains that improved data verification is essential for safeguarding the credibility of Nigeria’s business registry.