Nigerian entrepreneurs operating unregistered businesses can apply for free business name registration under a Federal Government initiative targeting 250,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The programme, implemented by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), aims to reduce the cost of formalising small businesses.
The initiative covers the registration fees of successful applicants, allowing eligible entrepreneurs to obtain CAC business name certificates without paying the usual statutory charges.
However, applicants must meet the programme’s requirements, and completing SMEDAN registration does not automatically guarantee CAC approval.
Why FG introduced the free CAC registration programme
In an official announcement published on September 27, 2025, SMEDAN said the initiative was designed to remove financial barriers preventing small businesses from entering the formal economy.
The agency explained that business registration could improve entrepreneurs’ credibility and help them access financing, government interventions and opportunities to expand their operations.
The programme received renewed attention in 2026 after the Federal Government approved the formalisation of 250,000 businesses.
According to The Punch, the initiative was announced during the eighth National MSME Awards at the State House in Abuja.
Who qualifies for free CAC registration?
The programme primarily targets Nigerians operating nano, micro and small businesses that have not been registered with CAC.
Potential beneficiaries include traders, artisans, fashion designers, food vendors, small-scale manufacturers, farmers and other entrepreneurs operating informal businesses.
Applicants must provide accurate personal and business information through SMEDAN’s registration system.
Businesses already registered with SMEDAN but without CAC registration may also be considered.
However, the free registration arrangement is intended for business names, not the incorporation of limited liability companies or non-governmental organisations.
How to apply through the SMEDAN portal
Interested business owners should follow these steps:
- Visit the official SMEDAN registration portal.
- Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Complete your business profile using accurate information.
- Select “No” when asked whether your business already has a CAC registration number, if that is correct.
- Review your details and submit the application.
Applicants should monitor official communications from SMEDAN for further instructions.
Those who already have SMEDAN accounts should not assume they need to create new profiles.
What happens after applying?
SMEDAN uses the submitted information to identify businesses that may qualify for the free CAC registration initiative.
Eligible applicants are expected to receive instructions on the next stage of the process.
This may involve additional business name information and verification requirements.
Once CAC successfully registers the business, the applicant can obtain the relevant registration documents.
However, a SMEDAN registration certificate or identification number is not the same as a CAC business name certificate.
Is the programme still accepting applications?
Reports published in November 2026 indicate that access to the free registration programme has reopened.
However, applicants should confirm current availability through the official portal.
The programme targets 250,000 businesses, and there is no independently verified public figure establishing how many slots remain available as of November 13, 2026.
Do applicants need to pay?
The free registration initiative covers the applicable CAC business name registration fees for successful beneficiaries.
Entrepreneurs should be cautious about individuals demanding money to guarantee selection or accelerate approval.
They should use the official SMEDAN portal and consult CAC’s website for business registration information.
The initiative provides an opportunity for small business owners to formalise their operations, but eligibility and successful approval remain essential.