The Federal Government has opened applications for the free registration of 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises under the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria-Corporate Affairs Commission formalisation programme.

The initiative, approved by President Bola Tinubu, is designed to remove the cost of business registration for eligible nano, micro and small businesses, enabling more entrepreneurs to join Nigeria’s formal economy.

Successful applicants will receive free Business Name registration through the Corporate Affairs Commission, with the Federal Government covering the statutory registration fees.

The programme was announced by the Presidency during the 8th National MSME Awards held at the State House, Abuja, on June 27.

Beyond free registration, beneficiaries will also receive technical training, business development support and access to opportunities aimed at improving business sustainability and growth.

How to apply

Business owners interested in the programme are required to:

1. Visit the official SMEDAN portal at portal.smedan.gov.ng

2. Create an account using their personal details, including name, email address, phone number and password.

3. Complete the MSME registration form with accurate business information.

4. Select “No” when asked whether the business already has a CAC registration number.

5. Review the information provided and submit the application.

6. Wait for confirmation from SMEDAN if the application is successful.

Businesses already registered on the SMEDAN database but without CAC registration may automatically qualify for the programme.

Applicants approved under the scheme will be contacted with the next steps for their free CAC Business Name registration.

The initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Corporate Affairs Commission and SMEDAN to formalise 250,000 nano, micro and small enterprises nationwide.

In 2026, Tinubu formally approved the free formalisation and corporate registration of 250,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, across the country.

It was announced at the State House in Abuja during the 8th National MSME Awards 2026.

According to the presidency, the move is aimed at removing financial difficulty for nano, micro, and small scale entrepreneurs, effectively integrating them into Nigeria’s formal banking and regulatory ecosystem.

Update news