Small business owners across Nigeria now have a unique opportunity to formalize their enterprises at no cost through the ongoing free business registration programme launched by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, in collaboration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC.
The initiative provides free registration slots for 250,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises nationwide, helping entrepreneurs secure a Certificate of Incorporation without paying the usual registration fees.
This effort is part of a broader drive to promote business formalisation, create jobs, and expand access to government support for MSMEs.
To take advantage of the initiative, eligible entrepreneurs are encouraged to register through the official SMEDAN website by following these steps:
1. Visit the SMEDAN portal – Go to the official website: https://portal.smedan.gov.ng
2. Sign up– Create an account and fill in your business details accurately.
3. Indicate no CAC number – When asked if you have a Corporate Affairs Commission number, select “No.”
4. Submit your details – Complete the registration form carefully and submit.
5. Wait for confirmation – Once verified, you will be contacted by SMEDAN with the next steps to finalise your free CAC registration and obtain your certificate.
ALSO READ: SMEDAN, CAC partner to register 250,000 MSMEs
The process is entirely online ensuring that even business owners in remote areas can participate without visiting a physical office.
Applicants are advised to provide valid personal and business information to avoid delays in processing.
Formal business registration unlocks several advantages for entrepreneurs. A CAC certificate enhances business credibility, allows access to government grants and loans, and opens doors to contracts with larger companies and government institutions.
Registered businesses also enjoy better visibility and legal protection, positioning them for sustainable growth.
Beyond registration, successful applicants will be added to SMEDAN’s national MSME database, connecting them to business development support, training opportunities, and funding initiatives from both government and private sector partners.
This initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed between SMEDAN and CAC in 2025.
Under the agreement, CAC will waive registration fees worth an estimated ₦3 billion, while SMEDAN coordinates nationwide outreach to ensure small business owners are properly onboarded.
The collaboration aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which aims to boost Nigeria’s entrepreneurial base and drive economic inclusion.
The free registration programme underscores SMEDAN’s commitment to empowering small businesses and helping them transition from the informal to the formal economy—one business at a time.
Crediblenewsng.com
