FG Opens Application For Free CAC Registration For 250,000 MSMEs
The Federal Government has commenced applications for the free registration of 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) formalisation programme.
The initiative, approved by President Bola Tinubu, is aimed at eliminating the cost of business registration for eligible nano, micro and small businesses, thereby encouraging more entrepreneurs to operate within Nigeria’s formal economy.
Under the scheme, successful applicants will receive free Business Name registration through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with the Federal Government covering all statutory registration fees.
The programme was unveiled during the 8th National MSME Awards held at the State House in Abuja and forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen small businesses and improve economic inclusion.
In addition to free CAC registration, beneficiaries will enjoy technical training, business development support and access to opportunities designed to enhance business growth and long-term sustainability.
How to Apply
Interested business owners are required to:
Visit the official SMEDAN registration portal.
Create an account using their name, email address, phone number and password.
Complete the MSME registration form with accurate business details.
Indicate that the business does not already have a CAC registration number, where applicable.
Review the information provided and submit the application.
Await notification from SMEDAN if the application is successful.
Businesses already captured in the SMEDAN database but yet to obtain CAC registration may also qualify automatically for the programme.
Successful applicants will be contacted with further instructions on completing their free Business Name registration.
The initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding between SMEDAN and the Corporate Affairs Commission to formalise 250,000 nano, micro and small enterprises across Nigeria.
According to the Federal Government, the programme is intended to reduce the financial burden associated with business registration while integrating small businesses into the country’s formal banking, regulatory and economic system.
