CAC & SMEDAN Unveil Free Business Registration for 250,000 MSMEs in Nigeria

For many years, cost, bureaucracy, and lack of awareness have hindered the formalisation of
millions of small businesses in Nigeria. Operating informally often denies entrepreneurs
access to finance, markets, grants, and government support.

This new CAC–SMEDAN scheme addresses those challenges by covering the cost of registration
and linking beneficiaries directly to SMEDAN’s MSME database.
Once registered, businesses will benefit from:

• Aftercare support and business advisory services
• Capacity-building programmes and technical assistance
• Market linkages and access to government grants
• Eligibility for national and international partnerships

Speaking at the event, Hussaini Magaji (SAN) highlighted the Federal Government’s
ongoing reforms under President Tinubu, including investments in infrastructure,

exchange rate unification, and targeted economic support such as the
N200 billion assistance programme for nano businesses, SMEs, and manufacturers.

“This drive is about breaking down the barriers that keep too many of our small businesses informal.
By removing the cost of business name registration for 250,000 businesses,
we are investing in the MSME ecosystem and creating opportunities for growth.” –
Hussaini Magaji, CAC Registrar-General

On his part, Charles Odii stated that formalisation is the gateway to
support and sustainability for MSMEs in Nigeria.
He emphasised that the initiative aims to reduce illegal businesses and decrease the
collapse rate of SMEs by ensuring they are properly registered.

“Every MSME in our database without CAC registration will be offered this free registration initiative.
For those who are not digital natives, SMEDAN State Offices nationwide and
Business Clinics will provide support to onboard entrepreneurs.” –
Charles Odii, SMEDAN DG

• 250,000 MSMEs across the 36 states and the FCT to benefit from free CAC registration
• Access to grants, training, and new market opportunities
• Continuous aftercare and support via SMEDAN’s database
• No effect from the upcoming CAC fee review on the free registration
• Reduced fear of taxation due to new reforms taking effect in 2026

MSMEs interested in this opportunity can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official SMEDAN portal at portal.smedan.gov.ng and complete the registration form.
2. MSMEs already in SMEDAN’s database without CAC registration will automatically qualify for the free registration drive.
3. Once registered with SMEDAN, beneficiaries will be contacted with the next steps for CAC certification.
4. Entrepreneurs can also visit SMEDAN State Offices or attend Business Clinics nationwide for support.

The free business name registration drive by CAC and SMEDAN is a strategic move
to strengthen Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem. By promoting formalisation and reducing barriers to growth,
the initiative directly supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope vision for
entrepreneurship and economic development.

Both agencies praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to creating an enabling
environment for entrepreneurs. This initiative is a testament to the administration’s
vision of lowering barriers and fostering inclusive growth across all sectors of the economy.

The collaboration between CAC and SMEDAN represents a new chapter
for Nigerian entrepreneurs. By offering free business registration to 250,000 MSMEs,
the Federal Government and its agencies are empowering small business owners to formalise their
operations, gain access to support, and contribute more effectively to Nigeria’s economy.

With reduced barriers, greater access to opportunities, and ongoing aftercare from SMEDAN,
the future looks brighter for Nigeria’s nano, micro, and small enterprises.
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to seize this opportunity and register today to secure their
place in the country’s growing formal economy.