The Federal Government has commenced applications for the free registration of 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under a nationwide business formalisation programme being implemented through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Dip Connect News reports that the initiative, approved by President Bola Tinubu, is intended to eliminate the cost of Business Name registration for eligible nano, micro and small enterprises, making it easier for them to operate within Nigeria's formal economy.
Under the scheme, successful applicants will have their CAC Business Name registration fees fully paid by the Federal Government. In addition to the free registration, beneficiaries will receive technical training, business development support and access to opportunities designed to strengthen and expand their businesses.
The programme was unveiled by the Presidency during the 8th National MSME Awards held at the State House in Abuja on June 27, 2026. It follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between SMEDAN and the Corporate Affairs Commission to facilitate the formalisation of 250,000 nano, micro and small businesses across the country.
The Presidency said the programme is part of the Federal Government's broader effort to ease the financial burden on entrepreneurs while integrating more businesses into Nigeria's banking and regulatory system.
How interested businesses can apply
Eligible business owners are expected to visit the official SMEDAN portal and create an account using their personal information, including their name, email address, phone number and password.
Applicants are required to complete the MSME registration form with accurate business details and select "No" when asked whether the business already has a CAC registration number. After reviewing the information provided, they should submit the application and await feedback from SMEDAN.
Businesses that are already registered on the SMEDAN database but do not yet have CAC registration may also qualify automatically for the programme.
Applicants who are successfully selected will be contacted by SMEDAN with further instructions on completing their free CAC Business Name registration.
Adeola Kunle
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