FG Invites Application for 2026 MSMEs Awards, 100 Nigerians to Share N1 billion
- The FG has announced it is now accepting applications for the 2026 National MSME Awards
- The application portal will be open on April 7, and over N1 billion is set to be disbursed
- Presidential aide Temitola Adekunle-Johnson said more beneficiaries are expected beyond the top category winners
Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, the stock market, and broader market trends.
The federal government has unveiled an application portal for the 2026 National MSME Awards, with plans to disburse over N1 billion to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.
Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, disclosed this at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, March 31
Source: Getty Images
He said the initiative is designed to boost enterprise growth through direct financial support.
MSME awards
According to him, the awards portal will open on April 7 and close on May 7, urging MSMEs nationwide to take advantage of the opportunity and submit applications.
Adekunle-Johnson said the 2026 edition, themed “Renewed Hope for MSMEs,” will prioritise financial grants rather than material rewards such as cars, houses and shops, which featured prominently in previous editions.
He said:
“This year, we are focusing more on funding, giving grants that can directly support and grow MSME businesses. “We are going to be spending, with the support of our partners, up to about one billion naira for these awards.”
He explained that the new approach is intended to provide businesses with direct funding tailored to their immediate operational needs, while expanding the reach of beneficiaries beyond top category winners.
According to him, more MSMEs will benefit across different categories, with additional support extending beyond the top three performers in each segment.
Source: Getty Images
Adekunle-Johnson added that winners will also gain access to mentorship programmes coordinated by relevant government agencies, alongside post-award support such as business advisory services and market access opportunities, The Guardian reports.
He noted that outstanding MSMEs may also receive support to participate in international exhibitions as part of efforts to promote Nigerian enterprises globally.
The presidential aide said the awards will recognise innovation, creativity, job creation and the use of technology, while acknowledging challenges encountered in previous editions, particularly poor-quality applications.
He said the government is working to improve awareness and encourage more serious participation across the country, assuring that the selection process will remain transparent and merit-based.
Winners to share N1 billion
Adekunle-Johnson also disclosed that the grand finale of the awards will hold on June 27 to mark the United Nations World MSME Day, an United Nations World MSME Day.
A representative of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Sarah Ajayi, said about 12 categories will be featured in the 2026 edition, covering key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, creativity, innovation, and beauty and wellness.
She stressed that regulatory compliance will be a critical factor in the selection process, urging applicants to ensure proper documentation, including regulatory approvals, tax records and relevant certifications.
How to apply
Ajayi disclosed that selected participants must submit quality video presentations demonstrating their production processes and value addition.
To apply:
- Applicant Full name
- MSME Business Name
- MSME Business Location
- Date of Birth (minimum application age should be 18)
- A Clear Two-minute business overview video
- Business/Legal requirements:
- Compulsory: Active CAC Registration, Tax Identification Number
- Other Relevant Certificates related to your business: e.g., Tax Profile/Clearance, SON (MANCAP/Product Identification Scheme), NAFDAC Product Registration, SMEDAN, NEPC, ITF Certification, etc.
The application portal will open on April 7 via this link.
FG launches another opportunity for youths
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the federal government has flagged off a free nationwide training programme aimed at equipping 10 million Nigerians with financial literacy and inclusion skills.
The initiative, prioritising women and youth, focuses on essential financial skills, digital competencies, and investment knowledge to support sustainable wealth creation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Source: Legit.ng
