Nigerians interested in the Federal Government’s free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration initiative can begin the process through the official Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) portal.
The programme targets 250,000 nano, micro and small businesses across the country.
Successful applicants can obtain CAC business name registration without paying the statutory registration fees covered by the initiative.
However, applicants must provide accurate information and meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Step 1: Visit the official SMEDAN portal
Interested entrepreneurs should visit portal.smedan.gov.ng.
The portal serves as the starting point for registering businesses with SMEDAN and participating in relevant government-backed enterprise programmes.
Applicants should ensure they are using the correct website rather than links circulated by unofficial agents.
Step 2: Create a SMEDAN account
New users should select the registration option and provide the required personal information.
This may include their names, email addresses, telephone numbers and passwords.
Applicants who already have accounts should log in rather than create unnecessary duplicate profiles.
They should also ensure that their contact information is accessible.
Step 3: Complete your business profile
After creating an account, applicants should provide information about their businesses.
This may include the business name, location, activities, sector and other details requested on the portal.
Applicants should ensure that the information is accurate because it may be used during verification.
Those whose businesses have not been registered with CAC should indicate their unregistered status.
Step 4: Submit your application
Before submitting, applicants should review the information provided.
The application guide published by The Punch states that entrepreneurs should select “No” when asked whether their businesses already have CAC registration numbers, provided that is the correct answer.
After submission, applicants should retain any acknowledgement or identification details issued by SMEDAN.
Step 5: Wait for confirmation and further instructions
Completing a SMEDAN profile does not automatically mean a business has been registered with CAC.
Eligible applicants may receive further instructions about completing the free business name registration process.
Successful applicants can obtain their CAC registration documents after approval.
The agencies have not published a guaranteed approval date for every application under the free programme.
What should applicants avoid?
Business owners should not pay individuals promising guaranteed selection.
They should also avoid submitting false information or creating multiple accounts in an attempt to increase their chances.
The free registration initiative is intended to remove registration costs for eligible beneficiaries, not create additional charges through intermediaries.
Applicants can consult the official SMEDAN announcement for background information.