The Federal Government has commenced applications for the free registration of 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)-Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Formalisation Programme.
The initiative, approved by President Bola Tinubu, is aimed at eliminating the cost of business registration for eligible nano, micro and small enterprises, enabling more entrepreneurs to formalise their businesses and participate in Nigeria’s formal economy.
Successful applicants will receive free Business Name registration through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with the Federal Government covering the statutory registration fees.
The programme was unveiled during the 8th National MSME Awards held at the State House, Abuja, on June 27, 2026.
In addition to free CAC registration, beneficiaries will receive business development support, technical training and access to opportunities designed to improve the sustainability and growth of their enterprises.
How to Apply
Eligible business owners can apply by following these steps:
- Visit the official SMEDAN portal at portal.smedan.gov.ng.
- Create an account using your full name, email address, phone number and a password.
- Complete the MSME registration form with accurate business information.
- Select “No” when asked whether your business already has a CAC registration number.
- Review your details carefully and submit your application.
- Wait for confirmation from SMEDAN if your application is successful.
Businesses already registered on the SMEDAN database but without a CAC registration may also qualify automatically for the programme.
Successful applicants will be contacted with further instructions on completing their free CAC Business Name registration.
The initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between SMEDAN and the Corporate Affairs Commission to formalise 250,000 nano, micro and small enterprises nationwide.
President Tinubu approved the programme in 2026 as part of efforts to reduce the financial burden of business registration and integrate small businesses into Nigeria’s formal banking, regulatory and economic ecosystem.
