The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has reminded eligible Nigerian entrepreneurs about the Federal Government’s free business name registration programme for 250,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The initiative is part of government efforts to help small businesses formalise their operations without having to bear the usual cost of business name registration.
SMEDAN has previously announced its partnership with CAC to provide free business registration for 250,000 MSMEs.
How to Access the Free Business Registration
Interested entrepreneurs are advised to use the official SMEDAN platform to access the programme.
Official Portal: https://portal.smedan.gov.ng/
Applicants should follow the instructions provided on the platform and submit their details through the appropriate registration process.
Entrepreneurs should also be careful when searching for registration links online, as scammers may use the programme to collect money or personal information from unsuspecting applicants.
Is the CAC Business Registration Really Free?
The government-backed initiative provides free registration for eligible beneficiaries under the 250,000-business-name scheme.
CAC documentation specifically identifies the programme as “FG-CAC Free Registration of 250,000 Business Names.”
This is different from the normal CAC business name registration process, where applicants generally pay the applicable filing fees. CAC’s current business-name registration information states that its standard registration process includes payment of the relevant filing fee.
Therefore, applicants accessing the free government programme should make sure they are using the designated channel for the initiative.
What Entrepreneurs Should Know
The free registration opportunity can help small business owners formalise their businesses and potentially gain access to other government and private-sector support.
SMEDAN says registering with the agency can provide access to benefits such as financial services, training opportunities, private-sector opportunities and government business support.
However, applicants should not pay individuals who claim they can guarantee approval or speed up the registration process.
Beware of Fraudsters
The CAC has warned that applicants should be cautious of people requesting payment to process the free registration.
If you are eligible for the government-backed free registration programme, use the official channel and follow the instructions provided there.
Do not share your login details, banking information or other sensitive information with unofficial agents.
Free Business Name Registration Portal
Nigerians interested in the programme can start by visiting the official SMEDAN portal:
Portal: https://portal.smedan.gov.ng/
Applicants should also check CAC and SMEDAN’s official platforms for any changes to the registration process, eligibility requirements or availability of the free registration slots.
Final Note
The free business registration initiative gives eligible Nigerian entrepreneurs an opportunity to formalise their businesses without paying the normal registration cost under the scheme.
If you have an existing small business or are planning to formalise your enterprise, check the official SMEDAN portal and complete the process through the approved channel.
Do not pay anyone who claims to have a special link or guaranteed access to the free registration programme.
???? Stay Empowered with ZOEEB
Join our community for daily updates on jobs, skills, and financial growth opportunities.
