Tinubu Approves Free CAC Registration for 250,000 MSMEs Nationwide

President Bola Tinubu has approved the free registration and formalisation of 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen small businesses and expand the country’s formal economy.

The approval was announced on Saturday at the State House in Abuja during the 8th National MSME Awards 2026.

According to the Presidency, the initiative is designed to remove the financial burden associated with registering businesses and encourage nano, micro and small enterprises to operate within Nigeria’s formal banking and regulatory framework.

Under the programme, 250,000 beneficiaries will receive business name registrations through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) without paying the statutory registration fees.

The Presidency said the intervention goes beyond free registration, adding that beneficiaries will also receive technical training and mentorship aimed at improving business sustainability and long-term growth.

It explained that the programme is intended to reduce the high failure rate among small businesses while promoting entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and economic development.

To benefit from the initiative, interested entrepreneurs are required to register through the official portal of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) using the designated #SMEDANGov platform to complete the necessary documentation and onboarding process.

The Presidency stated that the programme is being implemented through a strategic partnership involving the Corporate Affairs Commission and SMEDAN.

According to government officials, the waiver of registration fees represents a significant financial concession designed to make business formalisation easier for small enterprises that often struggle with startup costs.

The initiative is also expected to improve access to financial services, government support programmes and investment opportunities for participating businesses by bringing them into the formal sector.

Officials noted that formal registration would enable more entrepreneurs to establish credible business identities, improve access to credit facilities and enhance compliance with regulatory requirements.

The Federal Government said the programme forms part of broader efforts to empower small businesses, create employment opportunities and stimulate inclusive economic growth across the country.

The Presidency encouraged eligible entrepreneurs to take advantage of the initiative, describing MSMEs as critical drivers of innovation, job creation and national economic development.

It added that the programme reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship by reducing barriers to business registration and promoting sustainable enterprise development nationwide.