The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced a nationwide initiative to offer free business name registration to 3,500 small businesses across Nigeria, in a move aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and deepening business formalisation in the country. The programme will cover beneficiaries in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
The announcement was made in Abuja by the Registrar-General of the CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, as part of activities marking the Commission’s 35th anniversary. According to the CAC, the initiative is designed to remove cost barriers that often discourage micro and small business owners from registering their enterprises.
Magaji explained that many small businesses operate informally due to the perceived financial burden of registration, despite the long-term benefits of formalisation. He noted that the free registration scheme is intended to encourage more entrepreneurs to take the first step toward operating within the formal economy.
Under the programme, selected beneficiaries will have their business names registered at no cost, enabling them to obtain legal recognition and documentation required to operate officially. The CAC stated that the distribution of the 3,500 free registrations will be spread evenly across states to ensure national inclusion.
Formal business registration with the CAC allows entrepreneurs to open corporate bank accounts, access credit facilities, qualify for government support programmes, and enter into legally binding contracts. The Commission believes that easing access to registration will strengthen small businesses and improve their chances of growth and sustainability.
The CAC also described the initiative as part of its broader mandate to promote ease of doing business in Nigeria. By reducing entry barriers for small enterprises, the Commission aims to boost economic participation, job creation, and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
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In recent years, the CAC has implemented several reforms focused on digitalisation and service improvement, including online registration platforms and technology-driven processes. These reforms are intended to speed up service delivery and make business registration more accessible to Nigerians regardless of location.
The free registration initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by the federal government to support micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises, which are widely regarded as the backbone of the Nigerian economy. Stakeholders believe that increased formalisation will improve data accuracy and policy planning for the sector.
While the CAC has not yet released full details on the selection criteria, it advised interested entrepreneurs to monitor its official communication channels for information on eligibility and application procedures. The Commission emphasised that transparency and fairness will guide the implementation process.
As the CAC marks 35 years of operation, the free business name registration programme underscores its renewed focus on empowering small businesses and fostering inclusive economic growth. The Commission expressed optimism that the initiative would encourage more Nigerians to formalise their ventures and fully participate in the country’s economic development.
