CAC & SMEDAN FREE REGISTRATION

💼 CAC & SMEDAN to Register 250,000 MSMEs Free — ₦3 Billion in Fees Forgone Nationwide

In a bold move to empower Nigerian entrepreneurs, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have launched a nationwide initiative to register 250,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) free of charge.

The announcement came during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, where both agencies emphasized their joint commitment to formalizing and supporting Nigeria’s vibrant SME ecosystem. The CAC will completely waive registration fees — amounting to an estimated ₦3 billion — while SMEDAN will provide ongoing business support, training, and access to funding opportunities.

🚀 The Goal Behind the Initiative

For years, small business owners across Nigeria have struggled to formalize their operations due to high costs, complex registration processes, and bureaucratic bottlenecks. This initiative directly tackles those barriers, helping entrepreneurs step out of the informal economy and gain access to official business benefits — including grants, contracts, and credit facilities.

According to CAC Registrar-General, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN), the free registration scheme is a strategic way to eliminate cost-related barriers and make it easier for MSMEs to gain legal recognition. He added that formal registration opens doors for access to loans, partnerships, and protection under Nigerian business law.

SMEDAN Director-General, Dr. Charles Odii, also noted that this initiative goes beyond paperwork — it’s a full empowerment pipeline. After registration, participants will receive business training, market linkage opportunities, and access to grants as part of SMEDAN’s continuous aftercare plan.

💡 Why It Matters

The CAC and SMEDAN partnership is a direct contribution to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda — a vision focused on stimulating job creation, youth empowerment, and nationwide economic growth. By simplifying registration and making it free, more small businesses can access financing, government support, and digital visibility.

🧾 Key Benefits for Registered Businesses

• ✅ Free CAC registration (no payment required)
• ✅ Access to SMEDAN business support services
• ✅ Eligibility for grants and funding opportunities
• ✅ Free access to entrepreneurial training and mentorship
• ✅ Official business recognition for contracts and partnerships
• ✅ Improved access to markets and networks across Nigeria

📍 How to Register (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit the official SMEDAN registration portal: portal.smedan.gov.ng
2. Click on “Sign Up” to create an account.
3. Fill in your business and personal details accurately.
4. When asked if you have a CAC number, select “No”.
5. Submit your information to complete the application.
6. Wait for SMEDAN/CAC to contact you for the next steps to finalize your free registration.

Note: If your business is already listed in SMEDAN’s database but not yet registered with CAC, you automatically qualify for this free registration drive — no need to reapply.

💬 Quick FAQs

• Q: Is this registration really free?
  A: Yes. CAC is waiving all registration fees — you won’t pay a kobo.
• Q: Do I need to already have a SMEDAN Number?
  A: No. You can register directly on the portal even without a SMEDAN number.
• Q: What kind of businesses are eligible?
  A: All Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria — including online vendors, freelancers, and small-scale service providers.
• Q: How long will the registration take?
  A: The process typically takes a few days after submitting your form, depending on verification and documentation.
• Q: When will the free registration close?
  A: The drive is ongoing nationwide until the 250,000 free slots are filled — early registration is highly advised.
• Q: Will I receive a CAC Certificate?
  A: Yes. Once your registration is approved, you’ll get your official CAC Certificate digitally.

📣 Official Remarks

Both agencies reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring every MSME in Nigeria has the opportunity to operate formally and sustainably. “This partnership is about economic inclusion — giving small business owners the same opportunities as big corporations,” Dr. Odii emphasized.

With the CAC waiving ₦3 billion in potential revenue, this initiative demonstrates a clear commitment to national development and long-term business growth.

💬 Final Thoughts

If you’ve been running your business informally, now is your moment. This free registration drive could be the gateway to growth, funding, and legitimacy. Don’t wait — opportunities like this don’t come often.

🚀 Register Your Business Now (Free)

Empowering Nigeria’s Future — One MSME at a Time 🇳🇬