Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major initiative aimed at supporting small businesses across Nigeria by providing free business registration for 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
The programme, which is being implemented in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship, economic inclusion, and business formalization under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Under the initiative, eligible MSMEs will be able to register their business names with the CAC at no cost, removing one of the major barriers faced by small business owners seeking to operate within the formal economy. The Federal Government said the scheme is expected to empower entrepreneurs, create jobs, and improve access to financial opportunities.
Officials disclosed that the CAC will waive registration fees worth billions of naira to ensure the successful implementation of the programme. The initiative is expected to benefit businesses across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking on the development, SMEDAN emphasized that business registration is a critical step toward unlocking access to government support programmes, grants, loans, and other business development opportunities. Registered businesses will also enjoy greater credibility, legal recognition, and improved access to banking services.
The Director-General of SMEDAN, Dr. Charles Odii, noted that beyond registration, the agency plans to connect beneficiaries with training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and market access initiatives designed to help businesses grow and become more competitive.
The programme is targeted primarily at unregistered nano, micro, and small businesses operating in various sectors of the Nigerian economy. Interested entrepreneurs are expected to apply through the designated SMEDAN registration platform.
