The Federal Government has recorded over 60,000 applications for the 2025 National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Awards with agriculture-focused businesses accounting for the highest number of entries, according to official data.
The Job Creation and MSMEs Secretariat, operating under the Office of the Vice-President, disclosed that entries have been submitted from entrepreneurs across all regions of the country as the application window enters its final weeks.
Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, confirmed that agribusinesses are leading the submissions, followed by participants from the information and digital technology sector, the creative industry, leather production, furniture and woodwork, manufacturing, fashion, beauty and cosmetics, and enterprises owned by persons living with disabilities.
The Federal Government had earlier announced that the 2025 edition of the MSMEs Awards comes with expanded incentives, including a residential property, a vehicle, a fully furnished business shop, and cash support valued at N700 million.
A new category was also created specifically to encourage participation from business owners with disabilities.
According to the Secretariat, the application portal, which was launched on March 7, 2025, has attracted interest from MSMEs operating in key commercial centers such as Lagos, Aba, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Makurdi, Birnin Kebbi, Damaturu, and Abakaliki.
The Presidential Adviser noted that this wide participation reflects increasing confidence in the integrity of the awards scheme.
The government stressed that the MSMEs Awards are part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s small business sector, which remains a critical driver of employment and inclusive growth.
Adekunle-Johnson further stated that the process has so far generated encouraging feedback from the technical review team handling submissions and urged more small businesses to take advantage of the opportunity before the April 7 deadline.
The awards, jointly coordinated with private sector partners, form a key component of Nigeria’s MSME development framework.
The Presidency reaffirmed its commitment to deepening support for MSMEs through policy interventions, access to finance, and initiatives targeted at improving the business environment.
Entrepreneurs are expected to complete the application process via the official portal at https://msmeclinics.gov.ng.
