- MSME Awards 2026: Tinubu Announces Free Registration for 250,000 Businesses
- The initiative is designed to eliminate the financial burden associated with business registration for nano, micro and small-scale enterprises
- The Presidency stated that interested entrepreneurs can apply for the programme through the official portal of SMEDAN
President Bola Tinubu has approved the free formalisation and registration of 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria as part of efforts to support small businesses and expand financial inclusion.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the approval was announced on Saturday during the 8th National MSME Awards 2026 held at the State House, Abuja.
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According to the Presidency, the initiative is designed to eliminate the financial burden associated with business registration for nano, micro and small-scale enterprises, enabling them to participate fully in Nigeria’s formal economy, banking system and regulatory environment.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries will receive business name registration certificates from the Corporate Affairs Commission without paying the statutory registration fees.
Beyond the waiver, the intervention package will also provide technical training and business support services aimed at helping beneficiaries build sustainable enterprises and improve their chances of long-term survival.
The Presidency stated that interested entrepreneurs can apply for the programme through the official portal of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria using the designated platform identified as #SMEDANGov.
The implementation of the initiative will be carried out through a partnership between SMEDAN and the CAC.
Officials involved in the programme described the waiver as a major concession intended to encourage business formalisation, improve access to financing and reduce the high failure rate among small businesses in the country.
