Business
BREAKING: FG Unveils Free Registration for 250,000 Small Businesses — MSMEs to Save ₦3bn
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government has launched a landmark initiative offering free business registration for 250,000 nano, micro, and small enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.
The programme, jointly driven by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), was announced in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Registrar-General of the CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN), disclosed that the Commission is waiving ₦3 billion in registration fees to give MSMEs legitimacy, easier access to finance, and wider market opportunities.
SMEDAN Director-General, Dr. Charles Odii, explained that beyond registration, beneficiaries will receive aftercare support, including training, grants, technical assistance, and linkages to local and international markets.
Entrepreneurs can apply via portal.smedan.gov.ng, after which eligible businesses without CAC certification will automatically be enrolled.
The initiative is already being described as a game-changer for Nigerian entrepreneurs, breaking down barriers of cost and bureaucracy while deepening the nation’s MSME growth ecosystem.
Business
Combating Corruption Is a Collective Responsibility At All Levels of Governance- RMAFC Boss
Joel Ajayi
Chairman Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu OFR has reiterated that combating corruption is not the mandate of a single institution; rather, it is a collective responsibility requiring vigilance, integrity, and transparency at all levels of governance
Dr. Shehu made this remarks during a one day sensitisation program, organised by the Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit of the Commission in conjunction with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), on Tuesday, 9th December, 2025, at the RMAFC headquarters in Abuja.
Represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Commission Nwaze Joseph Okechukwu, the Chairman emphasised that RMAFC occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s fiscal architecture.
He also said, “As the institution constitutionally empowered to monitor accruals to and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account, we understand the critical role of ethical conduct in safeguarding public resources.”
According to him, corruption in any form undermines development, distorts fiscal planing, erodes public trust, and ultimately denies citizens the social and economic benefits that government revenues are meant to provide.
Dr. Bello who expressed delight over the convergence of key stakeholders who share a common commitment to strengthen transparency, accountability, and integrity within the national governance landscape further said, “The programme offers an opportunity to strengthen the ethical awareness, understand emerging risks, and recommit ourselves to doing what is right, just, fair and equitable at all times.”
In his opening remarks, the Chairman Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), Mr. Idris Musa Sariki, who welcomed all stakeholders to the programme, expressed appreciation to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related Offences Commission(ICPC) for their continuous guidance and collaboration with ACTU in strengthening transparency and accountability in MDA’s.
He noted that the establishment of ACTU in RMAFC reflects the commitment of the Commission to uphold its core values of integrity, transparency, accountability, professionalism, and patriotism. He added that the ACTU unit of the Commission plays a vital role in promoting ethical conduct, monitoring compliance, and building a work environment where corruption has no space to thrive.
Speaking further, the ACTU Chairman explained that the success of the anti-corruption efforts depends not only on policies and systems but on the daily actions and decisions of every staff and management of the commission. “Today’s programme is timely, essential and provides an opportunity for staff to better understand corruption risks, preventive strategies, and their individual responsibilities as public officers.” He said.
In his contribution, the Director Servicom in the Commission, Mr. Olaye Osayemen encouraged participants to take the one day sensitisation programme seriously in ensuring adherence to the civil service financial regulations.
Highlight of the programme was the presentation of papers by ICPC officials on the “Definition of corruption” by Ozor Ijeomah and “Ethical decision making in doing government business” by Dr Anike Adesina.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News12 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
