CAC and SMEDAN Unveil Free Business Registration for 250,000 Enterprises Across Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria – The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has officially launched a nationwide initiative to provide free business name registration for 250,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
This landmark collaboration is part of the Federal Government’s sustained efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem by eliminating cost barriers and encouraging entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses.
Empowering Nigeria’s MSMEs
The programme, which is fully funded under the Federal Government’s post-COVID-19 economic sustainability plan, is designed to enable small businesses to transition from the informal sector to the formal economy.
Speaking during the unveiling, the Registrar-General of the CAC highlighted that 250,000 slots have been made available to entrepreneurs nationwide, ensuring that businesses across all 36 states and the FCT can benefit.
“Formalizing your business through the CAC not only gives your venture legal identity but also opens doors to banking, financing, and government interventions,” he explained.
Benefits of Free Registration
Eligible businesses that take advantage of this initiative will enjoy:
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Free business name registration (ordinarily costing between ₦10,000 – ₦15,000)
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Access to formal financial services, loans, and grants
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Improved credibility with customers and partners
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Eligibility for government programmes and private sector support schemes
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Legal recognition for contracts and partnerships
Who Can Apply
The free registration programme targets micro and small businesses operating across different sectors, including:
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Hospitality (restaurants, hotels, and catering)
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Private educational institutions (schools, coaching centers, training providers)
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Health and professional services (clinics, law firms, consultancies)
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Manufacturing, trading, and other service-based ventures
Applicants must not already have an existing business registration with the CAC.
Registration Process
To take part in the free registration exercise, applicants should follow the steps below:
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Access the Official Registration Portal
Click here to begin your registration -
Provide Your Business Information
Submit at least three preferred business names, your nature of business, and address details. -
Upload Personal Identification Documents
Applicants must provide a valid means of identification and a recent passport photograph. -
Verification and Processing
Aggregators and state focal persons will review the documents before forwarding them to the CAC for approval. -
Certificate of Registration Issuance
Upon successful processing, applicants will receive their CAC Certificate of Business Name Registration, at no cost.
Key Dates
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Programme Launch: Announced [insert launch date]
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Application Window: Open until all 250,000 slots are filled
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State-Level Aggregators: Contact details available via the CAC website and SMEDAN offices nationwide
For aggregator lists and state contacts, visit:
Aggregator and State Contact Information
Federal Government’s Commitment
The Director-General of SMEDAN emphasized that the collaboration aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to empowering MSMEs as the backbone of the Nigerian economy.
“This initiative is not just about free registration; it is about giving Nigerian entrepreneurs the chance to grow, scale, and access opportunities that were previously out of reach,” he stated.
Call to Action
Nigerian entrepreneurs are urged to take immediate advantage of this opportunity before the limited slots are exhausted.
👉 Register Your Business for Free with CAC & SMEDAN
For further details, applicants can visit the official websites of CAC and SMEDAN.
Media Contact:
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
Website: www.cac.gov.ng
Email: info@cac.gov.ng
Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)
Website: www.smedan.gov.ng
Email: info@smedan.gov.ng
