The Federal Government plans to disburse over ₦1 billion to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the 2026 National MSME Awards.
Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, announced this at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
She said the awards portal would open on April 7 and close on May 7, urging MSMEs across the country to submit applications. The 2026 edition, themed “Renewed Hope for MSMEs,” will focus primarily on financial grants to support business growth.
“This year, we are prioritising funding, providing grants that can directly support and grow MSME businesses. With the support of our partners, we plan to spend up to one billion naira on these awards,” Adekunle-Johnson said.
She explained that this marks a shift from previous editions, which offered cars, houses, and shops as major rewards. The new approach aims to provide direct funding tailored to the immediate needs of businesses, ensuring broader distribution of support across categories.
Beneficiaries will also gain access to mentorship programmes coordinated by relevant government agencies. The initiatives include business advisory services, market access opportunities, and potential participation in international exhibitions. Awards will recognise innovation, creativity, employment generation, and use of technology.
Acknowledging past challenges with poor-quality applications, Adekunle-Johnson said efforts were underway to improve awareness and encourage serious participation nationwide. She assured that the process would remain transparent and merit-based, with the grand finale scheduled for June 27, in commemoration of United Nations World MSME Day.
Mrs Sarah Ajayi, representing the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), said about 12 categories will feature, covering key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, creativity, innovation, and beauty and wellness.
She emphasised compliance, urging applicants to provide proper documentation, including regulatory approvals, tax records, and relevant certifications, along with quality video presentations showcasing production processes and value addition.
Other stakeholders at the briefing pledged support, promising collaboration to ensure credible selection, regulatory compliance, and post-award mentorship to strengthen MSMEs nationwide.
