As part of efforts to promote business formalisation and cut startup costs for small businesses, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has rolled out a free business name registration scheme for eligible nano, micro and small enterprises (MSMEs).
Below is a clear, simplified guide on how entrepreneurs can apply for the free CAC registration through the SMEDAN portal.
Step 1: Access the SMEDAN Portal
Visit the official SMEDAN website at:
https://portal.smedan.gov.ng/dashboard�
Step 2: Create a SMEDAN Account
Click on Sign Up and complete the registration form with accurate personal and business details.
Once registration is successful, download your SMEDAN certificate, as it is required to proceed with the CAC application.
Step 3: Log In to Your Dashboard
Sign in to the portal using your registered username and password.
Step 4: Navigate to the Home Section
On your dashboard, click the Home button located at the top left corner of the page.
Step 5: Apply for CAC Business Name Certificate
Select the option that directs you to the CAC business name registration section.
Step 6: Complete and Submit Application
Fill in all required details carefully and submit your application as instructed.
Step 7: Await Processing
Applicants should note that processing of the CAC certificate may take more than 48 hours before it becomes available.
About the Initiative
The free registration scheme targets 250,000 MSMEs across Nigeria and was unveiled in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CAC and SMEDAN. The programme forms part of activities marking two years in office of CAC Registrar-General, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, and SMEDAN Director-General, Dr. Charles Odii, both appointed in October 2023.
Speaking at the launch, Magaji explained that many small businesses remain informal due to high costs, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited awareness.
According to him, the initiative removes these barriers by covering registration fees and directly integrating beneficiaries into SMEDAN’s MSME database.
He disclosed that CAC is waiving about ₦3 billion in registration fees under the programme, describing it as a strategic investment in economic inclusion and MSME growth. “By eliminating the cost of business name registration, we are enabling more entrepreneurs to formalise, grow, and access better opportunities,” he said.