The Federal Government has reopened its free business registration portal, giving eligible Nigerian entrepreneurs another opportunity to register their businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) without paying registration fees.
The programme targets 250,000 nano, micro and small businesses across Nigeria. It is being implemented through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in partnership with the CAC.
The reopening follows earlier difficulties experienced by applicants who attempted to access the portal.
Under the initiative, the government will cover the cost of registering eligible businesses, removing one of the financial barriers preventing small business owners from formalising their operations.
According to SMEDAN, the partnership was established to support the formalisation of 250,000 businesses nationwide.
Who qualifies for free CAC registration?
The programme targets entrepreneurs operating businesses that have not been registered with the CAC.
Eligible applicants include owners of nano, micro and small enterprises, such as traders, artisans, retailers, fashion designers and service providers.
Business owners already registered with SMEDAN but without CAC registration may also qualify, subject to the programme’s requirements.
However, the initiative covers business name registration. It does not cover limited liability company incorporation or other registration categories outside the scheme.
Applicants should have a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and provide accurate personal and business information during registration.
Businesses that already have CAC registration are not the intended beneficiaries.
How to apply for free CAC registration
Interested business owners can begin their applications through SMEDAN’s official portal.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Visit the portal: Go to portal.smedan.gov.ng to access the registration platform.
- Create an account: Select the registration option and provide your name, email address and other requested details. Existing users should log into their accounts.
- Complete your business profile: Provide the required information about your business, including its name, location, activities and contact details.
- Indicate your CAC registration status: When asked whether your business already has a CAC registration number, select “No” if it has not been registered.
- Review and submit: Check your information carefully before submitting the application. Monitor your dashboard and email for further instructions from SMEDAN.
Applicants who previously started the process should continue with their existing accounts rather than create duplicate profiles.
Will applicants pay any registration fee?
No. Successful beneficiaries will not pay the CAC business name registration fees covered by the programme.
The Federal Government is funding the registration through the SMEDAN-CAC partnership.
However, submitting an application does not automatically guarantee selection. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and await confirmation from the relevant authorities.
Business owners should also be cautious of individuals demanding money to secure registration slots or promising guaranteed approval.
The safest option is to use the official SMEDAN portal and rely on communication from the relevant government agencies.
Why the free CAC registration matters
For many small businesses, formal registration provides an opportunity to establish a recognised business identity.
A CAC certificate can improve business credibility and help entrepreneurs meet documentation requirements for certain banking, commercial and government-supported opportunities.
Read also: CAC Business Name Registration in Nigeria: 4 Steps Nigerians Must Follow to Register a Business
It can also help businesses become eligible for opportunities that require formal registration. For example, some business support programmes require applicants to possess a valid CAC certificate.
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However, registration does not automatically qualify a business for government grants, loans or financial assistance.
With 250,000 registration slots targeted nationwide, the reopened portal offers eligible entrepreneurs another opportunity to formalise their businesses without bearing the covered registration costs.