National MSME Award 2025 For Nigerian MSMEs

Reach us on

The Application for The National MSME Awards 2025 is Now Open. The National MSME awards is an annual and week long activity that is tailored to honour outstanding indigenous MSMEs. The week long activity captures the international MSME week, an Expanded National MSME Clinic, business exhibition/plenary session as well as a gala/award night to encourage MSMEs across the country. The MSME awards began in August 2018 and Subsequently in June the following years. So far, there have been five award ceremonies with over 40 verifiable winners.

In the past years, winners in the different categories have gone home with various prizes that have impacted their businesses and profiles – cash prizes, cars, and of course local and international media attention.

The reward for the awards has also increased from an initial 1-star prize which was a car in 2018 for the MSME of the Year winner to 10 cars in all categories. This is to underscore the significant relationship that has been established between the private sector and the Federal Government over the years.

National MSME Awards Categories

The categories for this year’s awards are as follows:

National MSME Award of Excellence in Agriculture – This category is focused on rewarding Nigerian MSMEs building thriving businesses that contribute to developing the Nigerian Agricultural value chain (Agricultural production, processing, trade, and export).
National MSME Award of Excellence in Wellness, Beauty & Cosmetic – This category rewards Nigerian MSMEs building businesses focused on enhancing physical beauty and improving quality of life.
National MSME Award of Excellence in Creative Industry – This category rewards Nigerian MSMEs that aim at improving creativity in visual, literary, and performing arts, rooted in the portraying the Nigerian culture
National MSME Award of Excellence in Fashion & Style – This category spotlights Nigerian MSMEs that stand out in the clothing and fashion industry. Businesses that aim to portray the Nigerian style and cultural beauty.
National MSME Award of Excellence in Leather Works – This category recognizes Nigerian MSMEs that portray outstanding craftsmanship in leather designs.
National MSME Award of Excellence in Furniture and WoodWorks – This category aims to recognize, encourage, and promote outstanding design, craftsmanship, and installation using wood.
National MSME Award of Excellence in Manufacturing – This category recognizes Nigerian MSMEs that contribute to manufacturing and promoting Nigerian-made end products.
National MSME Award of Excellence in ICT & Digital Technology – This category recognizes MSMEs that are carving a niche in the IT world, developing viable solutions that can solve societal and economic issues.
National MSME Award of Excellence for Persons Living with Disabilities – This category recognises and honours outstanding businesses owned and operated by persons living with disabilities, recognising entrepreneurial excellence, innovation, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Eligibility Criteria

From 7th March 2025, applicants should select the category they best fit into and apply with

Applicant Full name
MSME Business Name
Sex (Male OR Female)
Date of Birth (minimum application age should be 18)
A Clear Two-minute business overview video (Click this link to see more information on video guide)
Business/Legal requirements;

1. Compulsory: CAC Registration, Tax Identification Number, Tax Profile/Clearance.
2. Other Relevant Certificates related to your business: e.g. NAFDAC, SMEDAN, SON, NEPC, ITF Certification, ISO Certification, etc.