SMEDAN-CAC partnership targets formalisation of micro and small enterprises under Tinubu administration's MSME support programme
The Federal Government has launched a programme to provide free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) business registration for 250,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.
The initiative, implemented through a partnership between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), is designed to remove the financial burden of business registration and encourage more small businesses to operate within the formal economy.
Under the programme, beneficiaries will receive free registration of their business names with the CAC, with the Federal Government covering the registration costs.
The scheme was announced during the 8th National MSMEs Awards Ceremony held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on June 27, 2026. According to government officials, the programme was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of broader efforts to support small businesses and stimulate economic growth.
Beyond free registration, selected beneficiaries are expected to receive business management training, enterprise development support, and access to programmes aimed at expanding their businesses.
To participate, interested business owners are required to register through SMEDAN's online portal by creating an account, providing their personal and business details, and indicating whether their businesses already possess CAC registration.
SMEDAN stated that applicants who have previously registered with the agency but do not yet have CAC registration may also qualify for the programme. Successful applicants will be contacted with further instructions on completing their free Business Name registration.
The initiative follows an agreement between SMEDAN and CAC to formally register 250,000 small businesses nationwide, a move aimed at increasing business formalisation and improving access to financial services and government support programmes.
According to information released by the Presidency, the programme is intended to reduce barriers to business registration while enabling entrepreneurs to access banking services, credit opportunities, and other formal business benefits that can support long-term growth.
The government says the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria's MSME sector, which contributes significantly to employment and economic development across the country.
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