FG reopens free CAC business registration for 250,000 small businesses

The federal government has reopened its programme offering free registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to small business owners.
The programme
The scheme, run through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), targets 250,000 nano, micro and small enterprises across the country, according to reports on Thursday, 12 November 2026. It covers the cost of business name registration, which is one of the barriers that keeps many small businesses informal.
Who can apply
The programme is aimed at owners of small businesses not yet registered with the CAC, including traders, artisans, retailers and service providers. Business owners already registered with SMEDAN but not with the CAC may also qualify, subject to the agency's requirements.
Why it reopened
The portal was reopened after applicants earlier reported difficulties accessing it, which disrupted the application process.
Background
The reopening comes as the government also rolls out a ₦50,000 cash grant to vulnerable households.
- 250,000 small businesses are targeted.
- Registration is free through SMEDAN.
- The portal reopened after earlier glitches.
