Access to funding remains one of the greatest challenges for small businesses and startups in Nigeria. Fortunately, several government agencies and ministries have rolled out targeted grant programs to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across sectors like agriculture, fashion, manufacturing, technology, and the creative industry. These grants,often non-repayable or partially repayable,are designed to boost productivity, encourage innovation, and create jobs.
If you’re a Nigerian entrepreneur, here are the top government agencies and grant programs you should know about in 2025, including links to apply or learn more.
1. Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI)
This ministry oversees programs that drive industrial growth, exports, and trade expansion.
Offers financial incentives (in form of tax credit) to Nigerian exporters for market research, training, product development, and global market access.
Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC):
Provides grants under its Competitiveness Program to support research, product development, and localization of raw materials.
2. Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI)
National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP):
Offers innovation grants, patent support, and incubation programs for tech-based startups.
National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI):
Provides workspace, grants, technical support, and access to mentors for startups in science and manufacturing.
3. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
Through its development finance initiatives, CBN supports MSMEs across key sectors.
MSME Development Fund (MSMEDF):
Offers both loans and grants to micro businesses via Microfinance Banks (MFBs) and cooperative societies. Special focus on women and youth-led businesses.
Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI):
In collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee, CIFI provides low-interest loans and grants to entrepreneurs in music, film, fashion, and IT.
🔗 Read about CIFI
4. Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB)
R&D Intervention Fund:
Offers non-repayable funding for research, innovation, and product development by local oil & gas players and tech-driven SMEs.
BOI implements sector-specific grants, often with embedded training and equipment support.
Cottage Agro Processing (CAP) Fund:
Provides machinery and equipment for small-scale food processors with repayment covered by a redemption fund.
BOI Fashion Fund:
Supports fashion designers and tailors with working capital, production grants, and access to production hubs.
Whether you’re a tech innovator, fashion designer, farmer, or exporter, there is likely a grant program tailored for your business. While competition for these grants is high, timely application and proper documentation significantly increase your chances.
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