FG Opens 2026 MSMEs Awards, 100 Winners to Share ₦1bn Grants

The Federal Government has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Awards, with 100 outstanding businesses set to share over ₦1 billion in grants.

The Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle Johnson, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja, noting that the initiative is aimed at boosting entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and driving innovation across the country.

According to him, applications will run from April 7 to May 7, while the grand finale will hold on June 27 to coincide with the World MSME Day.

Johnson explained that unlike previous editions where winners received items such as houses, cars, and shops, this year’s beneficiaries will largely receive cash grants to expand their businesses. “This is the year that they get that cash injection, which is not a loan in any way,” he said.

The competition, themed the “Renewed Hope Edition,” will feature 12 categories spanning key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, creative industries, and services. Finalists will be invited to Abuja for the concluding stage.

He added that beyond financial support, winners will benefit from increased visibility, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to new markets.

Supporting agencies such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Corporate Affairs Commission, and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council reaffirmed their commitment to the initiative, describing it as a key platform for strengthening Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem.

They also encouraged entrepreneurs nationwide to apply, highlighting the programme as an opportunity to showcase innovation and scale their businesses.