In a concerted effort towards economic rejuvenation, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), in a strategic alliance with Monie Point Micro Finance Bank, has embarked on a historic initiative: the registration of 2 million small businesses. This ambitious endeavor not only signifies a watershed moment in Nigeria’s economic trajectory but also heralds a transformative shift towards formalizing and empowering the burgeoning small business sector, laying a sturdy foundation for sustained growth and prosperity.
The ceremonious launch, graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries such as Dr. Doris Uzoka Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, Registrar-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), alongside other prominent industry stakeholders, stands as a testament to collective commitment and vision. Their participation underscores the profound significance of the occasion, symbolizing a unified resolve to propel Nigeria’s economic landscape towards unprecedented heights of progress and promise.
For decades, the imperative of registering businesses and organizations across the nation has been a vital yet neglected responsibility of the CAC. This mandate, pivotal for fostering economic growth and ensuring regulatory compliance, has languished in obscurity, deprived of the earnest commitment of the federal government to confer legal identities upon businesses nationwide. Consequently, countless enterprises have been denied essential opportunities to access financial facilities, and potential revenue streams have remained untapped due to the inability to tax unregistered businesses. This laissez-faire approach has not only impeded the formalization of businesses but also stifled economic progress, eroding the integrity of the regulatory framework and hindering the nation’s overall development.
However, a paradigm shift is underway as recent initiatives spearheaded by the CAC, in synergy with governmental bodies, signal a renewed dedication to rectifying this longstanding issue. Recognizing the pivotal role of business registration in fostering economic development and ensuring regulatory compliance, concerted efforts are being made to streamline the registration process and enhance awareness about its paramount importance among entrepreneurs and stakeholders alike. By prioritizing the formalization of businesses, the government aims to empower enterprises, facilitate access to financial resources, and augment revenue generation through taxation, thereby laying a solid foundation for a more dynamic, inclusive, and resilient economy.
The transfer of 2 million business names for registration represents a resounding triumph in regulatory enforcement, emblematic of the diligent implementation of provisions delineated in the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) of 2020. This monumental achievement underscores the unwavering commitment of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to uphold the legal framework governing business operations in Nigeria. Mandated by CAMA 2020, the requirement for formal registration applies to all businesses operating within the country, serving as a cornerstone for ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and fostering transparency across the business landscape.
One of the central tenets of the Renewed Hope Agenda, spearheaded by the current government under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is to cultivate wealth and economic prosperity for all Nigerians. The CAC’s proactive drive towards providing legal identities to business enterprises across the nation is poised to create a favourable economic ambiance, fostering an environment where businesses can thrive and flourish. As businesses flourish, job opportunities are expected to multiply, aligning harmoniously with the government’s overarching vision for economic renewal and prosperity.
The initiative to register 2 million small businesses signifies a pivotal juncture in Nigeria’s journey towards economic revival and sustainable development. By formalizing businesses and enhancing regulatory compliance, this landmark endeavor promises to unlock new avenues of growth, unleash the entrepreneurial potential of Nigerians, and usher in a new era of prosperity for the nation. As the wheels of progress continue to turn, fueled by collective determination and unwavering commitment, the future holds boundless possibilities for Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Abdullahi O. Haruna Haruspice writes from Abuja
