FG Unveils Free CAC Registration Scheme for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

The Federal Government has approved the free registration of 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as part of efforts to promote business formalisation, improve financial inclusion, and support entrepreneurship across Nigeria.
The initiative was announced by President Bola Tinubu during the 8th National MSME Awards 2026 held at the State House in Abuja.
Under the programme, 250,000 eligible nano, micro, and small businesses will receive free business name registration through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with the Federal Government covering all statutory registration fees.
The initiative aims to remove one of the major financial barriers preventing many entrepreneurs from registering their businesses and participating in the formal economy.
Beyond free registration, successful applicants will also receive business development support and technical training designed to help them build sustainable enterprises and improve their chances of long-term success.
According to the government, formalising businesses will enable more entrepreneurs to access banking services, government intervention programmes, investment opportunities, and other financial benefits typically reserved for registered businesses.
The programme is being implemented through a partnership between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria and the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Interested business owners are required to register through the official SMEDAN portal by submitting the required information and supporting documents.
Government officials said the initiative is expected to boost job creation, enhance productivity, and strengthen Nigeria’s MSME sector, which remains a key driver of economic growth.