The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to disburse more than N1 billion to small businesses under the 2026 edition of the National MSME Awards, signalling a stronger push to support enterprise growth and job creation across the country.
The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja, noting that the application portal will open on April 7 and close on May 7. He encouraged MSMEs nationwide to take advantage of the opportunity by submitting strong and well-documented applications.
Tagged “Renewed Hope for MSMEs,” the 2026 awards will focus on direct financial grants, marking a shift toward more practical support tailored to the immediate needs of businesses. According to Adekunle-Johnson, the initiative is designed to go beyond recognition by providing real funding that can help enterprises scale operations, improve productivity, and create jobs.
He added that, in collaboration with partners, the government will expand the reach of the programme to ensure that more businesses benefit, not just the top three winners in each category. This broader distribution is expected to deepen impact, particularly for emerging businesses that often struggle with access to finance.
Beyond funding, selected beneficiaries will also gain access to mentorship programmes coordinated by relevant government agencies. These will include business advisory services, market access support, and opportunities to participate in international exhibitions—critical exposure that can help MSMEs compete globally.
The awards will recognise excellence in innovation, creativity, employment generation, and the use of technology across sectors. The programme will cover about 12 categories, including manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, creativity, innovation, and beauty and wellness.
A representative of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Sarah Ajayi, stressed that compliance will play a major role in the selection process. She urged applicants to ensure they have the necessary documentation, including regulatory approvals, tax records, and relevant certifications.
Applicants are also required to submit quality video presentations showcasing their production processes and value addition, a move aimed at improving transparency and helping evaluators better understand each business.
Adekunle-Johnson acknowledged that previous editions recorded a number of low-quality applications, but said efforts are underway to improve awareness and encourage more serious participation across the country. He assured that the selection process will remain transparent and merit-based.
The grand finale is scheduled for June 27, in commemoration of World MSME Day, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting small businesses as a key driver of economic growth.
The initiative underscores a growing recognition that MSMEs remain central to Nigeria’s economic future, with targeted funding and structured support increasingly seen as essential to unlocking their full potential.
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