CAC Announces Free Business Name Registration for 3,500 Small Businesses Nationwide

Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced free business name registration for 3,500 small businesses across Nigeria in a move aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and encouraging the formalisation of micro and small enterprises.

The initiative was unveiled in Abuja by the Registrar-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN), as part of activities marking the CAC’s 35th anniversary. According to the Commission, the free registration slots will be distributed across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ensuring nationwide access to the programme.

Magaji explained that the gesture is designed to reduce the financial burden associated with business formalisation, particularly for small-scale entrepreneurs who often operate informally due to cost constraints. He noted that formal registration provides businesses with legal recognition, improved credibility, and access to financial services, government interventions, and investment opportunities.

The CAC boss described the initiative as part of the Commission’s broader strategy to deepen economic inclusion and strengthen Nigeria’s small business ecosystem. He added that bringing more businesses into the formal sector would enhance regulatory compliance while positioning entrepreneurs to benefit from structured growth opportunities.

The announcement comes amid ongoing reforms at the Commission focused on digital transformation and service efficiency. In recent months, the CAC has introduced new technology-driven solutions to simplify the registration process and reduce turnaround time, contributing to a significant increase in daily business name registrations.

Stakeholders have welcomed the free registration programme, describing it as a timely intervention that could stimulate grassroots enterprise development, create jobs, and support the federal government’s broader economic diversification agenda.

The Commission urged interested small business owners to take advantage of the opportunity once application guidelines are released, reiterating its commitment to improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.