Abuja – November 18, 2025: The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to reward exceptional entrepreneurs with prizes valued at over N220 million, recognising their innovation, resilience, and contribution to national economic growth. The announcement was made during a briefing in Abuja by Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The awards form part of the eighth edition of the National MSMEs Awards, scheduled to coincide with 2025 MSMEs Week, in alignment with the 2024 United Nations World MSMEs Day, which celebrates the vital role of small businesses in driving sustainable development.
“This year’s overall champion will receive a transformative award package, including a house, a commercial shop, a vehicle, and a cash prize,” Adekunle-Johnson announced. “The total valuation exceeds N220 million, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and fostering economic empowerment across the country.”
For the first time, the awards will formally recognise businesses led by persons with disabilities (PWDs), reflecting the administration’s focus on inclusivity and equal opportunity for all innovators.
“Our MSMEs are central to Nigeria’s economic progress,” Adekunle-Johnson said. “Through this initiative, we aim to remove barriers, enhance operational capacity, and provide avenues for growth. By celebrating PWD entrepreneurs, we are ensuring that no talent is overlooked.”
The awards portal will open for registration from Friday, March 7, 2025, through April 7, 2025, giving eligible Nigerian businesses the opportunity to compete across various categories.
Emphasising the transformative potential of the awards, Adekunle-Johnson added, “These recognitions are not just about rewarding achievement—they are a platform to inspire innovation, encourage enterprise, and nurture the next generation of Nigerian business leaders.”
