The Federal Government has reopened its free business registration programme, giving eligible Nigerian entrepreneurs another opportunity to formalise their businesses without paying registration fees.
The initiative, implemented by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), targets 250,000 nano, micro and small businesses nationwide. The portal has reopened after earlier access problems disrupted applications.
The scheme is for business owners whose enterprises are not yet registered with CAC. Existing SMEDAN members without CAC registration may also qualify, subject to the programme’s requirements.
The offer covers business name registration for eligible beneficiaries. It does not cover limited liability company incorporation, and submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
Applicants should have a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and provide accurate personal and business information. The programme aims to reduce formalisation costs and encourage more entrepreneurs to operate within Nigeria’s formal economy.
A CAC certificate can improve a business’s credibility and provide documentation required for some commercial opportunities. However, registration alone does not guarantee loans, grants or other government support.
Business owners should use only the official SMEDAN portal and avoid agents demanding money to secure a slot or guarantee approval. Successful beneficiaries will not pay the covered registration fee.
How to apply
Visit the official SMEDAN portal at https://portal.smedan.gov.ng and create an account or log in.
Complete the business profile with the required personal and business details. When asked whether the business already has a CAC registration number, select “No” if it is unregistered. Review the information and submit the application.
Those who previously started the process should continue with their existing accounts instead of creating duplicate profiles. Monitor the portal and official SMEDAN communications for updates and further instructions.