The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has called on Nigerians to take advantage of its newly- inaugurated Administrative Proceedings Committee (APC) for the resolution of disputes and grievances arising from its services.
In an interview in Abuja, the registrar-general of CAC,Hussaini Magaji, emphasised the commission’s commitment to serving the public’s interest. He explained that the APC was established under Section 851 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, which mandates the creation of the committee to handle administrative grievances efficiently.
The committee provides an alternative to court litigation, offering a faster and more cost-effective solution to issues such as name rejections and other administrative concerns. “The committee was created to address grievances related to the commission’s mandate, providing an alternative to lengthy and expensive court proceedings,” Magaji stated.
He further explained that common disputes include issues like the rejection of entity names or disagreements over the registration process. In such cases, individuals or organisations can approach the APC for a fair and efficient resolution. The committee, chaired by the registrar-general, is designed to offer expedited reviews and solutions, which can help prevent the need for litigation.
Magaji also outlined the process for filing complaints. If a customer is aggrieved by a decision, such as a name rejection, they can submit a formal complaint directly to the committee’s chairman. The chairman, who is also the registrar-general, will facilitate the resolution, ensuring that all parties involved are satisfied with the outcome.
With the APC now operational, the CAC aims to reduce the burden on the judicial system and provide a more accessible and faster route to resolving disputes related to company registrations.
In addition to the APC, Magaji highlighted the CAC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its partnership with the British High Commission on the Beneficial Ownership Register (BOR). During a visit by a delegation led by Mr. Chris Okeke, the CAC discussed strategies to digitise legacy records and enhance transparency. The collaboration focuses on digitising important documents that date back to 1912, ensuring proper data documentation, and supporting the nation’s growth through improved data management and company recordkeeping.
Both organisations are working together to safeguard and update historical records, which are vital for national growth and data collaboration. Magaji stressed the importance of this initiative, stating, “It is crucial for the proper documentation of company records, which contributes significantly to the development of the nation.”