Many small business owners across Nigeria have long struggled to formalise their operations because high costs and complex procedures block their path.
For these entrepreneurs, official registration often feels out of reach.
Reducing Barriers For Entrepreneurs
To change this, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) will register 3,500 small enterprises nationwide for free.
The initiative covers all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Supporting Small Business Growth And Access
Registrar General Hussaini Magaji announced the programme during the CAC’s 35th anniversary celebrations in Abuja.
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He explained that the initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of formalisation while actively supporting micro and small businesses.
“In the spirit of our 35th anniversary, we are registering 3,500 small businesses for free across Nigeria,” the statement said.
Consequently, the scheme encourages more entrepreneurs to formalise their operations, allowing them to access government services, financing, and wider economic opportunities.
Technology-Driven Solutions
Reflecting on CAC’s 35-year journey, Magaji described the Commission as a story of vision, innovation, and national development.
Moreover, he highlighted how CAC has evolved into a technology-driven agency, prioritising efficiency, transparency, and global best practices.
On the technology front, Magaji revealed a partnership with Google to strengthen digital infrastructure and improve portal performance.
Additionally, the redesigned CAC website features an AI Lawyer to guide users on laws and procedures and a business name generator to simplify reservations.
Building on previous efforts, CAC and SMEDAN offered free registration for youth-led businesses.
At the same time, CAC deregistered over 400,000 inactive companies to maintain the register’s credibility.
For small business owners, CAC’s milestone celebration signals opportunity—a chance to formalise, grow, and thrive in a supportive, tech-enabled environment.
