The federal government’s ongoing 2025 National MSME Awards has garnered significant interest, with over 60,000 applications received from small business entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
The surge in participation comes just three weeks after the awards portal was opened on March 7, 2025.
A statement issued by the special adviser to the President on job creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, highlighted that agricultural-based enterprises are leading the pack in the number of applications received.
Other key sectors showing high participation include information and digital technology, the creative industry, leatherworks, furniture and woodwork, manufacturing, fashion, beauty and cosmetics, as well as businesses operated by persons living with disabilities.
“The sheer number of applications received from every corner of Nigeria—from Lagos to Aba, Kaduna to Maiduguri, Makurdi to Birnin Kebbi, and Damaturu to Abakaliki—demonstrates the credibility and impact of the National MSME Awards in fostering the growth of small enterprises,” Adekunle-Johnson noted.
This year’s edition of the awards introduced a new category to recognize outstanding entrepreneurs living with disabilities, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusivity in economic development.
The special adviser also emphasized the strong support from both the public and private sectors in transforming Nigeria’s MSME landscape, acknowledging the critical role of small businesses in job creation and economic expansion.
“The incentives earmarked for this year’s awardees underscore the Federal Government’s and private sector’s dedication to strengthening the MSME ecosystem,” he stated.
With the submission deadline set for April 7, 2025, Adekunle-Johnson urged more small business owners to seize the opportunity and submit their entries, emphasizing that the technical team managing applications has provided encouraging feedback on the process.
The National MSME Awards serve as a platform to recognize and reward outstanding micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across Nigeria, further fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
