The federal government has approved the free registration of 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as part of efforts to formalise businesses, promote financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth.
Key Highlights:
- FG approved free CAC registration for 250,000 MSMEs.
- The government will cover all business registration fees.
- Beneficiaries will also receive training and business support.
- Applications will be submitted through the SMEDAN portal.
- The programme aims to boost business growth and financial inclusion.
President Bola Tinubu announced the initiative at the 8th National MSME Awards 2026, held at the State House in Abuja, describing it as a major step towards supporting small businesses and strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Under the programme, 250,000 eligible nano, micro and small businesses will receive free business name registration through the Corporate Affairs Commission, with the federal government covering all statutory registration fees.
The initiative is expected to remove one of the biggest barriers preventing many entrepreneurs from registering their businesses, enabling them to access banking services, government intervention programmes, investment opportunities and other benefits available to businesses operating in the formal sector.
Read Also:
- FG To Distribute Free Gas Cylinders To 5m Households
- FG Credits Reforms For Improved Performance Of Nigerian Universities In 2026 Global Rankings
- FG Plans Competency-Based Digital Curriculum For Colleges Of Education, Says NCCE Boss
Beyond free registration, beneficiaries will also receive technical training and business development support designed to help them build sustainable enterprises and improve their long-term competitiveness.
According to the Presidency, the programme aims to increase the number of registered businesses while equipping entrepreneurs with the practical skills needed to grow their operations, create jobs and contribute more effectively to the national economy.
Interested business owners are required to apply through the official Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) portal by providing the required information and supporting documents.
The programme is being implemented through a partnership between SMEDAN and the Corporate Affairs Commission, with both agencies expected to fast-track the registration process for successful applicants.
Government officials described the fee waiver as a major financial relief for small business owners, noting that reducing the cost of formal registration would encourage more entrepreneurs to legitimise their businesses, improve access to finance and position themselves for long-term growth.
The federal government said the initiative is expected to benefit thousands of entrepreneurs across the country while strengthening Nigeria’s MSME sector, widely regarded as a key driver of employment and economic development.
