The Federal government of Nigeria offered free CAC registration and certificate to 250,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
This initiative, spearheaded by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in collaboration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), aims to formalize unregistered businesses, strengthen the MSME ecosystem, and empower entrepreneurs to access essential growth opportunities.
The SMEDAN Free CAC Registration Program is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing effort to promote economic inclusion and support small businesses under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Benefits
The initiative is designed to:
- Promote business formalization and reduce barriers to growth.
- Strengthen Nigeria’s MSME sector by increasing participation in the formal economy.
- Link beneficiaries directly to the SMEDAN MSME Database, making them eligible for government and private-sector support programs.
- Encourage job creation, innovation, and sustainability across various industries.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Federal Government SMEDAN Free CAC Registration, applicants must:
- Be a Nigerian citizen.
- Possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
- Operate an existing business with a verifiable address in Nigeria.
How to apply
- Visit the official SMEDAN registration portal https://portal.smedan.gov.ng/
- Click “Sign Up” and create your account.
- Fill in your business and personal details accurately.
- When prompted, select “No” when asked if you already have a CAC number.
- Review and submit your application.
- After submission, wait for an email or SMS notification from SMEDAN/CAC with instructions on how to complete your registration and receive your free business certificate.
