The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have launched a joint initiative to provide free registration for 250,000 nano, micro, and small enterprises nationwide.
The scheme was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Abuja, where both agencies highlighted the challenges many entrepreneurs face in moving beyond the informal sector, citing costs, bureaucracy, and lack of awareness as key barriers.
SMEDAN Director General, Charles Odii, said the programme removes these obstacles by covering registration costs and integrating all beneficiaries into SMEDAN’s MSME database. He explained that the database will provide access to grants, technical support, training, and market linkages for registered businesses.
Registrar-General of CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, added that the initiative will waive about ₦3 billion in registration fees, describing it as a decisive step toward formalising enterprises and expanding their opportunities. “By breaking down these barriers, we are enabling small businesses to secure legitimacy, grow sustainably, and access wider markets,” he said.
The agencies noted that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive environment for small businesses.
The free registration drive is expected to strengthen the MSME ecosystem, create new jobs, and drive broader economic growth across Nigeria.
