CAC–SMEDAN Scheme: 250,000 Free MSME Registrations (How to Apply)

The Nigerian federal government has launched a FREE business registration drive for 250,000 micro, small and nano enterprises (MSMEs). Under President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in September 2025 to waive CAC fees (roughly ₦11,000 per firm) and formally register 250,000 previously informal businesses. Eligible MSMEs (primarily sole proprietorships/business names) simply register on the SMEDAN portal to get a SMEDAN ID (SUIN), after which the CAC will complete the corporate registration. This guide explains the scheme start-to-finish: eligibility, required documentation, step-by-step application (online/offline), timelines, common issues, legal implications, and what to do after getting your CAC certificate.

Background: CAC–SMEDAN Collaboration and Policy Goals

In September 2025, CAC Registrar-General Hussaini Magaji and SMEDAN Director-General Charles Odii signed an MoU in Abuja to kick off this initiative. The aim is to remove cost and bureaucratic barriers that keep Nigerian entrepreneurs informal. Under the scheme, CAC will waive roughly ₦3 billion in fees that would normally fund 250,000 business-name registrations. President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda emphasises innovation, job creation, and formalisation; this scheme is a flagship of that agenda.

For MSMEs, the benefits go beyond saving fees. Formal registration brings credibility and access to government programs – from business loans and grants to training and market linkages. Both CAC and SMEDAN stress that formalisation unlocks bank accounts, corporate contracts, and tax compliance benefits. In short, free CAC registration is a gateway to growth for small businesses.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply? The scheme is explicitly targeted at unregistered nano, micro or small enterprises (roughly 1–50 employees) across all 36 states and the FCT. Key eligibility rules (per CAC/SMEDAN announcements) are:

• Not yet registered with CAC. You must be currently unincorporated (no existing CAC certificate). Businesses already with a CAC number are not eligible.
• Business Name only (sole trader/partnership). The free slots cover business-name registrations. Limited Liability Companies (Ltd) and Incorporated Trustees (NGOs) are not covered. This scheme waives fees only for sole proprietors or partnerships registering a business name.
• SMEDAN registration. Eligible MSMEs must create (or already have) a profile on the SMEDAN portal. You will obtain a SMEDAN Unique Identification Number (SUIN) by registering your business details online. (MSMEs already in SMEDAN’s database without CAC registration qualify automatically.)
• Genuine micro-enterprises. The scheme is meant for real small businesses aiming to grow. CAC and SMEDAN will verify details when issuing SUINs, so fictitious or speculative applicants will be excluded.
• First-come, first-served. The 250,000 slots are limited and likely allocated as applications come in. Early applicants have the best chance.

In summary: if you run a one-person business or small shop without any CAC documentation, and you register as an MSME on SMEDAN’s portal, you qualify for the free registration drive. All Nigerian states participate equally under the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Required Documents (by State or Business Type)

For SMEDAN registration: The SMEDAN portal signup requires minimal documents. You will need:

• Personal ID: A valid form of identification for the business owner (National ID card, driver’s license, passport, etc). The portal may ask for your NIN (National Identity Number).
• Contact information: A working email address and phone number (so SMEDAN can send you your SUIN and follow up).
• Business details: Basic info about the enterprise – proposed business name, address, nature of business, sector and annual turnover range. SMEDAN will use this to classify your MSME.
• Proof of address: Some portals ask for a recent utility bill or lease to verify the business location (though initial registration may not require upload). However, keep a scanned utility bill handy in case it’s needed later.

For CAC (Business Name) registration: After your SMEDAN SUIN is issued, you will complete the CAC registration. Required documents here typically include:

• Name Reservation AV Code: From CAC’s name reservation step (see next section).
• Means of ID and Passport Photo: Per CAC’s iCRP system, you must upload scanned IDs (e.g. NIN slip, passport) and a passport photo for each proprietor.
• Business address proof: A utility bill or tenancy agreement in the company address (for CAC’s records).
• Additional state requirements: Generally, the free scheme covers the federal CAC process only. Still, be aware: some states stamp the incorporation documents. For instance, in Lagos State a stamp duty may apply on the CAC certificate’s memorandum (though new Lagos laws have relaxed some charges). Check local regulations: e.g. Ogun State may require letters to State Revenue, FCT may have city council business permits. These are separate from CAC/SMEDAN formalities.

In practice, the SMEDAN portal application needs only digital data inputs – you fill forms online and await confirmation. Do gather copies of your ID and a utility bill anyway; you may need to email them or upload them during the CAC process if asked. Since this is a national scheme, document requirements do not vary by state for the CAC portion; the portal is the same across Nigeria.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Register on SMEDAN’s Portal

1. Go to the official portal – portal.smedan.gov.ng (or smedanregister.ng). (Beware of copycat sites; the URL must be exactly as above.)
2. Create an account. Click “Sign Up” or “Register Your Business” and enter your email, phone number and password. You may be sent an OTP or email verification to confirm.
3. Fill in business info. Enter your business name (proposed), sector, staff strength, and address. Provide the proprietor’s full name(s), NIN, and contact info. Make sure everything is accurate.
4. Submit the form. After completing all fields, submit the application. You will then receive a SMEDAN Unique Identification Number (SUIN), and possibly a SMEDAN certificate, by email. This SUIN is your proof of registration with SMEDAN.
5. Review your portal dashboard. Once logged in, confirm that your details look correct. MSMEs already on SMEDAN’s database will automatically see their SUIN without further action. If you have a SUIN from before (e.g. you had earlier registered with SMEDAN), just update your contact details.

If you don’t have reliable internet or encounter issues, SMEDAN has state offices and business clinics where staff will help you register on-site. Visit the nearest SMEDAN center (information online or via SMEDAN’s contact page) for in-person support.

2. Await SMEDAN Confirmation

After step 1, SMEDAN will process your application. Because this is a government scheme, they generally verify and issue your SUIN within a few days. If you are already in SMEDAN’s records, this is instant. Otherwise, SMEDAN will ensure your details look genuine (no duplicate or fraudulent names). You do not pay anything at this stage; obtaining the SUIN is free.

Once you have a SUIN, SMEDAN will contact you with next steps for CAC registration. Check your email (and phone SMS) regularly. If weeks go by with no word, you can email SMEDAN at info@smedanregister.ng or call CAC helpdesk (see “Checklist & Follow-up” below).

3. Name Reservation on CAC’s Portal (iCRP)

With your SUIN in hand, it’s time to complete the CAC portion. The CAC uses the Integrated Company Registration Portal (iCRP) (services.cac.gov.ng) for all filings. The first CAC step is to reserve your business name and get an Availability (AV) Code. The steps (on CAC’s portal) are:

1. Log into iCRP. Go to services.cac.gov.ng and click “Login” (or “Sign Up” first if you have no account).
2. Navigate to Name Reservation. On your dashboard, select “Name Reservation.” Choose Business Name as the entity type.
3. Check availability. Enter your proposed name exactly as on SMEDAN. CAC’s portal will instantly show if it’s available. If not, try a different name or abbreviation.
4. Complete name reservation. If the name is free, click Continue and pay (normally NGN1,000). Since this is a free registration scheme, CAC has indicated that you won’t actually pay any fee (the system should waive it at allocation). However, you do need to complete this step to get an AV Code. After submission, the system generates an AV Code instantly.

Keep the AV Code safe (it looks like a long number). This is needed to finalize the business name registration. (If the portal still requests a payment, your “bill” should show as zero. If it shows as paid/waived, proceed. If it errors out, contact CAC support.)

4. Register Your Business Name on CAC

Next, you will file the actual Business Name registration. In iCRP:

1. Go to “Register New Business.” From your dashboard, click this option on the navbar.
2. Enter your AV Code. In the pop-up, input the AV Code from step 3, then click Continue.
3. Fill in business details. Provide the remaining information: your email, registered address, date of commencement, nature of business (as per SMEDAN entry), etc.
4. Add proprietor(s). Enter each proprietor’s details (name, nationality, address, share capital, etc). Upload required documents (photo ID, passport photo, signature) for each owner.
5. Review and submit. Check the preview page for errors. Once correct, proceed. Normally you’d pay the balance (business registration fees), but under this scheme CAC has waived all fees. The Remita payment step should show zero due.
6. Check status and download certificate. After submission, CAC’s system will process it (the new iCRP uses AI to auto-approve business names quickly). Once Approved, you can download your CAC Certificate of Registration immediately from the portal. (If it remains “Pending” for a day, refresh or contact CAC.)

Note: After submitting, check your CAC account (“Dashboard”) for status updates. The portal will typically label your filing Pending → Approved in real time. When it’s approved, a link appears to download the digital certificate. Save this PDF – it’s your official CAC certificate.

Timeline & Deadlines

• Application period: There is no publicly stated deadline. Rather, the free slots are “while they last” for the 250,000 businesses. It’s advisable to apply as soon as possible, since the scheme is first-come-first-served.
• Processing time: Expect a few days to 2 weeks between your SMEDAN sign-up and contact from CAC. Once on CAC’s portal, business-name registrations are typically instant to a few days (same-day approval is common). Overall, you should get your CAC certificate within a couple of weeks of applying, assuming no complications.
• Tax changes: Note that from 1 Jan 2026 a new tax law raises the exemption threshold for small businesses. This means (for example) that the smallest formalised MSMEs may not immediately owe income or VAT tax. The timing of CAC registration is coinciding with these reforms, encouraging early formalization with less tax burden.

There is no fixed “deadline” announced; simply try to secure your slot before it fills up. If you still see the SMEDAN portal accepting new MSME signups, the scheme is active.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Applicants sometimes encounter snags. Here are frequent problems and tips:

• Name reservation errors. If your AV Code isn’t accepted (or name is flagged as unavailable) on CAC’s portal, double-check for typos. Try minor variations. Remember that some words (like “Nigeria”, “Bank”, “Hotel”) may require additional government consent. If your name requires consent, follow the “Consent” process on iCRP (similar steps, but slower).
• Portal timeouts or glitches. Government portals can get slow or timeout. Try a stable connection, use Chrome/Firefox, and clear cache. Do the process in the early morning if possible. If CAC’s iCRP is down, you may get a message – wait and retry. If SMEDAN’s portal seems unresponsive, try a different browser or check your internet.
• Payment step confusion. The system might show a Remita payment screen after you fill the CAC form. For the free scheme the amount should be zero. If it shows an amount, do not pay it. Instead, cancel and exit; the waiver should be applied automatically. If the Remita screen errors out, contact CAC’s helpdesk.
• Not receiving email/SMS. Check junk folders. Make sure you gave the correct contact. If you haven’t heard back after some time, log into the SMEDAN and CAC portals to check status. Use CAC’s “Status” or “Help & Support” on iCRP.
• Fraud alerts. Only use portal.smedan.gov.ng (or smedanregister.ng) for SMEDAN registration. SMEDAN and CAC will never ask you to pay anything or visit unknown sites. Beware of agents who promise to “fast-track” registration for a fee. All fees are waived by law.

If all else fails, reach out to official support: CAC’s helpdesk emails are helpdesk@cac.gov.ng or cservice@cac.gov.ng; SMEDAN’s support email is info@smedanregister.ng. They can verify your application status.

Legal Implications of Free Registration

• Entity type covered: Only Business Names (sole traders and partnerships) get free registration. This means your business will be a legal extension of you (the proprietor), not a separate legal personality. If you plan to bring in partners or investors later, or if you want limited liability, you would have to convert to a Limited Liability Company (which has its own separate fees and process).
• Limited liability: As a business name, you are personally liable for all business debts. There is no distinction between you and the business. (This is the trade-off for simplicity and zero fees under this scheme.)
• Statutory requirements: Once registered, you gain the rights and obligations of a formal business. For example, your business now can open a corporate bank account, enter into contracts, and has a corporate tax identification. It also means you should file annual returns with CAC (Fee: ₦5,000 per year) and keep accounting records.
• Tax registration (TIN and VAT): After CAC registration, you will be issued a Tax Identification Number (TIN) by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) – often automatically via CAC’s data. If it doesn’t arrive, register manually on the FIRS e-tax portal. Depending on your activities, you may also need VAT registration (standard VAT is 7.5%). However, under the new tax laws, micro-enterprises below certain revenue thresholds are exempt. In any case, having a CAC certificate is usually required for TIN registration and bank accounts.
• Other compliance: You may need a local business permit or trade license from your state/Local Government. You should also get a Certificate of Occupancy or shop license if you occupy a business premises. In Lagos, for instance, incorporated businesses usually pay stamp duty on the CAC certificate (though SMEs are often waived). These are beyond CAC’s scope but are easier to handle once you have an official CAC certificate.
• Governors’ consent: This scheme does not involve land or property transfers, so the Land Use Act’s Governors’ Consent is not directly relevant. However, if as a registered business you later acquire land, remember that statutory land allocations still require the governor’s consent (outside this free-registration context).
• Intellectual Property: You now have a formal business name. Consider registering any trademarks (brand names, logos) with the Trademarks Registry (IPON), since others can’t use your business name legally. This is optional but recommended for branding protection.

In short, after free registration you are an official business. All the normal laws apply: tax law, labor law (if you hire staff), licensing regulations, etc. Your CAC certificate is your legal proof of existence; keep it safe and display it when needed.

After Registration: Next Steps

Once you obtain your CAC Certificate of Registration, do the following:

• Obtain certified copy (CTC): If you printed your certificate in color, consider paying for a certified true copy (CTC) on CAC’s portal for official use (fee ~₦5,000).
• Open a corporate bank account: With your CAC cert, a TIN, and proof of address, open a business account. Banks usually require these docs plus passport photos and signatories.
• Get your Tax ID and compliance letter: Ensure the FIRS has your information. You may receive an FIRS registration certificate; if not, register on the FIRS online portal for your TIN. Also register with any relevant state tax authorities.
• Apply for business permits: Depending on your industry, apply for any necessary licenses (health permit, NAFDAC for food, NCC for telecom, SON for manufacturing standards, etc). Your CAC cert is often needed as part of these applications.
• Register with NPower/SMEDAN programs: Now that you’re in SMEDAN’s database and have a SUIN, you can access MSME programs. For example, SMEDAN grants, capacity-building sessions, or loan schemes now apply to you.
• Trademark and branding: If you have a distinctive business name or logo, consider trademark registration (through CAC’s IP portal or IPO Nigeria). That prevents others from copying your brand.
• Compliance calendar: Make a note to file Annual Returns with CAC 42 days after each anniversary of registration (fee ₦5,000 each year). Non-filing can lead to penalties. Keep all business records and receipts as required by the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

These steps turn your free registration into a solid foundation. Think of the CAC and SMEDAN registration as the first big win – now leverage it to expand, get formal credit, and grow your business legally.

State-Specific Considerations

The CAC–SMEDAN scheme is a federal initiative, so the basic process is the same nationwide. However, a few state/local points are worth noting:

• Lagos State: Business owners often deal with Lagos tax laws. Although CAC registration is federal, new Lagos policies require businesses (even SMEs) to get a “Signage Permit” and pay a 0.5% Electronic Transaction Levy on loans/deposits (though CAC fees remain waived under the scheme). Also, Lagos may charge stamp duty on the CAC certificate (0.5% of your authorized share capital or fixed amounts). Check the Lagos State Revenue Service website after registration.
• Ogun State: Ogun has started issuing electronic certificates and has a partnership with CAC for online filings. Ogun SMEs should still use the CAC portal as directed; Ogun may offer local aftercare services. There are no extra CAC fees for Ogun residents.
• FCT Abuja: The FCT requires a separate Business Premises Permit for commercial addresses. After CAC cert, FCT businesses should register with the Ministerial Committee on Business Activities (an FCT requirement since 2021) to obtain a Trading/Business Permit.
• Other States: Some states (like Kaduna, Rivers) push formalization by linking CAC certs to local tax incentives. Always check your state’s official announcements.

In all cases, the online portals (SMEDAN and CAC) are centralized. You do not register with a state-level portal; everything is either on SMEDAN’s national portal or CAC’s portal. Only the post-registration requirements (local taxes, permits) differ by location.

 Note: After registering, your business will be entered into SMEDAN’s national MSME database (via your SUIN). SMEDAN may profile your enterprise for further support – grants, training, market linkage, etc. This data-sharing between CAC and SMEDAN ensures transparency on the free slots and helps measure the initiative’s impact.

Tips to Speed Approval

• Verify your business name first. Before applying, search CAC’s public portal or the SMEDAN portal to ensure your chosen name isn’t already taken. Unique names speed up approval.
• Have all data ready. Fill SMEDAN’s form with consistent info (same address spelling, NIN, etc) and double-check before submitting. In CAC’s iCRP, have scanned IDs and your passport photo ready for upload.
• Apply early. With limited slots, don’t wait. Submit on SMEDAN early in the day, so if issues arise you still have time to fix them before midnight.
• Keep your details updated. On SMEDAN’s dashboard, ensure your email/phone are correct. All scheme communications (like an email from CAC or SMEDAN) will use these contacts.
• Attend a business clinic if stuck. If online attempts fail, visit a SMEDAN Business Clinic or State Office. They can walk you through the portal on a computer. This is especially useful for those not tech-savvy.
• Avoid intermediaries. Go direct. No consultant or agent is needed (and none should charge for this free service). CAC and SMEDAN personnel are your best help.

Checklist & Follow-Up Messages

Before you start, prepare:

• Phone/email: That you’ll use to register (and remember the passwords!).
• Owner’s ID and NIN. A digital copy/photo of your government ID.
• Utility bill or letter for address. Recent (within 3 months) if possible.
• Business info: Proposed name (and backups), business nature (choose official descriptions from the portal), address.
• SMEDAN SUIN. Once issued, write it down (and keep the email). You’ll need it in follow-ups.
• CAC account info. After you get SUIN, create a CAC iCRP account (at services.cac.gov.ng) and note your login details.

Once you have applied on SMEDAN, wait for confirmation (usually by email). If a week passes with no word, follow up politely.

Business Registration with LegalDoc (for Context)

Note: The free CAC–SMEDAN scheme applies only to Business Names. The table above gives a sense of alternatives if your business evolves. For example, a sole trader might later incorporate as an LLC for liability protection, but that new LLC registration would not be free and would require paying CAC fees (and possibly state stamp duties) in the usual way.

FAQ

1. What exactly is the free CAC–SMEDAN registration scheme?
It’s a joint initiative of the Corporate Affairs Commission and SMEDAN to register 250,000 previously unregistered small businesses for free. Under this drive, CAC waives all fees for business-name registrations, and SMEDAN uses its portal to enroll MSMEs in the program. This means eligible entrepreneurs pay nothing to get their business legally registered.

2. Who is eligible for this free registration?
Any Nigerian nano, micro or small business (about 1–50 employees) not already registered with CAC can apply. Crucially, only business names (sole traders or partnerships) are covered. Limited companies and NGOs are excluded. You must register your business on SMEDAN’s portal to get a SUIN. MSMEs already in SMEDAN’s database without CAC registration automatically qualify.

3. How do I apply online?

1. Go to portal.smedan.gov.ng and sign up. 2) Complete the business registration form (enter your name, address, NIN, etc). 3) Submit it and obtain your SMEDAN Unique Identification Number (SUIN). 4) Then follow the CAC steps: reserve your business name (get an AV code) and complete the Business Name registration on the CAC iCRP portal. 5) You will then download your free CAC certificate. Detailed steps are above.

4. Can I still apply if I have an existing CAC certificate?
No. If your business already has any CAC registration (even expired), you are not eligible for the free slots. This program is only for those without any previous CAC certificate. If you already have a CAC number, you should proceed with any needed filings in the normal way (and not worry about the free scheme).

5. What documents do I need to apply?
For the SMEDAN portal: your NIN, email, phone, and business details (name, sector, address). Prepare a scanned ID (e.g. national ID) and a recent utility bill for later use. For the CAC portal: a means of ID, passport photo, and signature for each proprietor. However, the initial SMEDAN form can be done with just data entry – you can upload documents when CAC asks for them. There are no state-specific documents to apply for CAC–SMEDAN; all states use the same process.

6. How long does the process take?
After SMEDAN registration, SUIN issuance is usually same-day or a few days. CAC’s new iCRP portal often approves business-name registrations in minutes or hours. In practice, most beneficiaries receive their CAC certificate within 1–2 weeks of applying (barring any complications). Remember to submit as early as possible because slots are limited.

7. Is it really free – are there any hidden charges?
Yes, it’s completely free for 250,000 MSMEs. All statutory fees (name reservation and registration) are waived. However, after registration, you may encounter normal costs like stamp duties or filing fees for annual returns. Also beware of scams – only the official portals are free. CAC or SMEDAN will never ask you to pay anything by cash or to third parties.

8. What if I encounter errors on the SMEDAN or CAC portal?
Common fixes: Refresh the page or try a different browser if the portal is stuck. Make sure your internet is stable. If an error persists (e.g. “AV code not found” or payment issue), note any error message and try again later. If you still can’t proceed, contact CAC’s helpdesk (helpdesk@cac.gov.ng, 0708-062-9000) or SMEDAN’s support (info@smedanregister.ng). They can provide guidance or reset your application if needed.

9. What if I miss out on the 250,000 slots?
If all free slots are filled, you’ll need to do the normal CAC registration process and pay the requisite fees (around ₦21,000 for a business name, per the 2025 fee schedule). For now, apply quickly because the slots are likely to fill. If you do end up paying standard fees, CAC’s iCRP allows you to register with ease, but you won’t get the fee waiver.

10. What should I do after getting my CAC certificate?
Congratulations! Next, you should: (a) make sure to get a corporate bank account using your new CAC certificate and TIN; (b) register for taxes (FIRS for TIN/VAT, state taxes as needed); (c) apply for any permits or licenses relevant to your trade; (d) file your first Annual Return with CAC within 42 days after a year (₦5,000 fee). Also leverage SMEDAN’s support programs (training, grants) now that you’re in their database. Protect your business name as a trademark if it’s important to your brand.