The Federal Government has opened an online portal for a programme offering free Company Affairs Commission (CAC) registration to 250,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative, approved by President Bola Tinubu, is carried out through a joint arrangement involving the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the CAC, with the government covering statutory fees required for registration. Sources say the scheme targets eligible nano, micro and small businesses that would otherwise face costs to formalize. The Presidency announces the programme as part of efforts to help entrepreneurs move into Nigeria’s formal economy and regulatory environment.
Under the programme, successful applicants receive free Business Name registration through the CAC. Beneficiaries are also expected to get non-financial support, including technical training and business development support, with the goal of improving enterprise sustainability and growth. SMEDAN also states that businesses already appearing on its database but lacking CAC registration may qualify automatically. The announcement is tied to the 8th National MSME Awards held at the State House, Abuja, on June 27. Applicants are instructed to apply through the SMEDAN portal by completing an MSME registration form and submitting accurate business information, after which SMEDAN confirms eligibility and shares next steps.
