The Federal Government has officially opened applications for the Eighth Edition of the National MSME Awards, with 100 outstanding small businesses set to receive substantial cash grants totalling over N1 billion.
The initiative, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, and innovation across Nigeria, is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector as a key driver of economic growth.
Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitope Adekunle Johnson, made the announcement at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
According to Johnson, applications will run from April 7 to May 7, 2026, while the grand finale is scheduled for June 27, 2026, in celebration of World MSME Day.
This year’s edition is tagged the “Renewed Hope Edition.”Unlike previous editions that awarded houses, cars, and shops, most winners this year will receive direct cash grants to inject capital into their businesses.“
The President wants MSMEs that win these cash prizes to be able to say in the future that their businesses expanded because they got these grants.
"This is the year they get that cash injection, which is not a loan in any way,” Johnson said.
The awards will feature 12 categories covering critical sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), creative industries, and services.
The top three finalists in each category will be invited to Abuja for the grand finale.Johnson emphasised that the selection process will be transparent and merit-based, with independent assessors ensuring credibility.
Beyond the cash prizes, winners will also gain national visibility, networking opportunities, market access, and mentorship to help scale their operations.
Representatives of partner agencies, including the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), reaffirmed their support for the programme.
NAFDAC representative, Sarah Ajayi, noted that entries demonstrating strong value addition, local content, and innovation will have a higher chance of advancing in the competition.
Entrepreneurs interested in participating are encouraged to apply when the portal opens on April 7.
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