TAX Matters: How to Participate in the SMEDAN and FIRS Weekly MSME Business Clinic

In a bold move to strengthen the vibrant MSME sector in Nigeria, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, in conjunction with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, has launched the Weekly MSME Business Clinic. Launched on December 4, 2025, this clinic is expected to become a saving grace for entrepreneurs who have been struggling to overcome myriad challenges related to business growth, tax compliance, and operational issues.

Considering that Nigeria’s economy is becoming increasingly dependent on MSMEs, which contribute more than 50% to GDP and employ almost 90% of the country’s workforce, this clinic has come at a very critical time and is purposed to formalize operations, improve skills, and attain sustainable development.

Who are SMEDAN and FIRS, and why is this partnership important?

The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria was established in 2003 under the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment to act as an apex agency for SME development in Nigeria. It offers advisory services, access to finance, capacity building, and market linkages that would help an entrepreneur advance from a mere start-up to a thriving enterprise. On the other hand, FIRS is the nation’s primary tax authority, which oversees revenue collection while at the same time promoting taxpayer education and compliance in order to fund public services and infrastructure.

This collaboration consolidates similar efforts undertaken earlier by SMEDAN, such as the pre-launch Friday clinics offering physical and virtual support for business challenges. In partnering with FIRS, the new clinic addresses a major pain point: tax-related challenges that are major barriers to MSME growth. Officials of both agencies have stated that the program goes beyond merely regulatory enforcement; rather, it is about empowering businesses through practical capacity building, reducing confusion in tax processes, and engendering an all-inclusive business environment.

What is MSME Business Clinic?

The Weekly MSME Business Clinic is a free interactive forum designed as a “one-stop shop” for the small business owner. It’s not a passive seminar but a hands-on session where participants can engage directly with experts from SMEDAN and FIRS. In this regard, the clinic targets MSMEs nationwide, with an emphasis on those in remote areas who might otherwise struggle to access the resources due to far distances from major cities like Abuja or Lagos.

Key Objectives

• Tax Compliance and Formalization Incentives: Streamline filing, registration, and documentation procedures to help companies avoid penalties and unlock opportunities such as government contracts and credit.
• Build Operational Capacity: Provide tools on financial management, business planning, and scaling strategies to avoid common pitfalls that restrict growth.
• Drive Economic Impact: Empower the MSME sector to create jobs, attract investments, and contribute to the broader economic resilience of Nigeria.
  Topics Covered
  Each session deals with applied issues, including:
• Tax guidance: Understanding obligations, deductions, and incentives tailored for small businesses.
  Bookkeeping and Accounting Practical Tips: How to use QuickBooks for effective records and cash flow.
• Registration and Documentation: Harmonization of CAC registration, issuance of TIN, and compliance with FIRS.
• Growth strategies: Advice on operational bottlenecks, market expansion, and accessing funding.
  Sessions feature one-on-one consultations, Q&A segments, and actionable takeaways that ensure participants leave with personalized solutions.

Schedule and Format

• When: Every Friday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (West Africa Time).
• Format: Thoroughly virtual via Google Meet to make participation convenient for entrepreneurs in all 36 states and the FCT without needing to travel.
• Duration: 3 hours of interactive content, including expert talks, breakout consultations, and networking opportunities.
  The structure becomes democratized as participation will not require rural-based tailors, farmers, or tech startups to have logistical barriers to entry.
  Benefits to MSME Owners
  Taking part in the clinic is not just a compliance box to tick, but a strategic investment for your business’s future. And that’s why entrepreneurs are actually going wild about it on social media:
• Direct Access to Experts: Receive personalized advice from specialists at SMEDAN and FIRS, which saves money and time on consultants.
• Scalability Boost: Learn to avoid mistakes in financial tracking which could block loans or partnerships.

Networking and insights you might learn ways to get incentives, such as tax holidays or grants for compliant businesses.
Low Barrier to Entry: Free, virtual, and very beginner-friendly for solopreneurs or family-run ventures.
The same is corroborated by early feedback from promotional posts: “This is real help in real time—direct connection to agencies serving MSMEs.” With over 80% of the MSME sector in Nigeria unregistered, initiatives such as this have the potential to formalize millions of businesses, thereby bringing vibrancy back to the economy.

How to Join: Simple Steps to Get Started

Getting involved is easy-just mark your calendar for this Friday and beyond!

1. Click the Link: Head directly into the virtual session via Google Meet.
2. Join using https://meet google com/amu-ajrw-eme. OR meet.google.com/amu-ajrw-eme
3. PIN: 246 085 117#
4. More numbers: t.meet/amu-ajrw-eme
5. Scan the QR Code: If you prefer, use the QR code shared in official announcements, available on FIRS and SMEDAN social channels. 3. Prepare Your Questions: Come with specifics about your business—tax queries, funding needs, or growth hurdles—for maximum value. 4. Follow for Updates: Follow @SMEDANGov and @FIRSNigeria on X for updates on session agendas and reminders.
6. Participate in the conversation by using the hashtag #SimplifyingTaxMaximisingRevenue. No registration fees or pre-approvals needed, just show up ready to grow. ## Why Now? A Call to Action for Nigerian Entrepreneurs The SMEDAN-FIRS MSME Business Clinic underscores the commitment of the government to grassroots empowerment as Nigeria moves aggressively toward economic diversification amidst global challenges. This is not just another event; it is a recurring platform to transform obstacles into opportunities, one Friday at a time. Small business owner juggling between taxes, records, and expansion dreams? If so, then don’t miss out! The next breakthrough may only be a click away.
7. Join this Friday at 10 AM and start simplifying your path to success. What’s one business challenge you’re hoping to tackle? Share in the comments below—let’s build a stronger MSME community together!