₦61.4bn Disbursed: Akobundu Mobilises South East Women, Youths For CREDICORPHere is the polished, publication-ready version
By Felix Oti, Awka
The Secretary, Faith Based Mobilisation (Christians) of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and a key member of the APC PCC Women Directorate, Hon. Princess Gloria Akobundu, PhD, FSI, has called on Nigerian women, youths, and particularly Ndigbo to take full advantage of the non-collateral and affordable consumer credit opportunities provided by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), a Federal Government development finance institution established under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Princess Akobundu described CREDICORP as a practical tool for economic inclusion and self-reliance. She urged eligible citizens, especially women traders, young professionals, NYSC members, and entrepreneurs in the South East and across the country, to apply promptly and responsibly.
“This is a golden opportunity for our women and youths to access capital without the usual heavy collateral demands that have locked many out of formal credit for years,” Princess Akobundu said.
“Ndigbo, known for their industry and enterprise, must not be left behind. Take advantage of these Federal Government-backed facilities to expand businesses, acquire productive assets, improve livelihoods, and build credit histories that open more doors in the future.”
She urged Ndigbo to visit the official website of CREDICORP: https://www.credicorp.ng
She stated that available data revealed that as of 31 October 2026, CREDICORP has facilitated over ₦61.4 billion in consumer credit to 353,561 Nigerians across all 774 local government areas of the country. Women account for approximately 59% of beneficiaries, while a significant proportion are young people. The portfolio has recorded a 0% risk of default so far.
She stated that CREDICORP-backed loans cover several categories, many of which are designed with reduced or no traditional collateral requirements for eligible working Nigerians and they include:
- YouthCred —Targeted at young Nigerians aged 18-39. Categories include: NYSC Corps Members, Employed Youth (salaried professionals), Youth Entrepreneurs. Loan amounts range from small entry-level facilities up to ₦5 million depending on the category and repayment capacity.
No collateral is required. Competitive rates apply, with flexible repayment (often up to 12 months or more) and mandatory financial literacy components in some products. Successful repayment builds credit history for higher limits.
- Civil Servants Loans —Available to federal and eligible state civil servants (especially those on IPPIS). Loans of ₦30,000 to ₦5 million at discounted rates (around 3.8-3.95% flat monthly through partners such as Credit Direct). Flexible repayment via salary deduction. Quick access options include USSD _5120# or WhatsApp channels of partner lenders.
- Market Women / Inventory Finance — Special facilities for market women and traders (including partnerships reaching major markets such as Ariaria in Aba). Inventory loans of up to ₦100,000 with significantly reduced interest rates to support business expansion.
- SPARK — A new USSD-based entry-level product for first-time borrowers. Accessible via basic mobile phones without smartphones or internet (_347*333#). Designed to help Nigerians start building formal credit histories with small, manageable loans.
- Other Focus Areas include:
- Mobility (vehicles, CNG conversions, tricycles)
- Solar energy and home systems
- Digital devices (phones, laptops, tablets under the C.L.I.C.K.D. programme)
- Home improvements and household essentials
- Personal loans and Buy-Now-Pay-Later options
Many of these products feature up to 50% interest rate reductions compared to standard market rates, flexible tenors, and structured repayment plans.
How to Apply
- Visit the official website: https://www.credicorp.ng
- Explore available credit options and register interest or express interest where required.
- Select a Participating Financial Institution (PFI) listed on the platform.
- Complete the application with the chosen partner (requirements typically include BVN, NIN, valid ID, proof of income or economic activity, and a bank account).
- The partner assesses eligibility and processes the loan.
Princess Akobundu emphasised that applicants should only use the official website and listed partner institutions.
She warned against fraudsters claiming to offer “direct CREDICORP loans” via social media or private WhatsApp messages.
She expressed confidence that widespread uptake of these facilities, especially among women and youths in the South East, would strengthen household economies, boost local enterprise, and contribute to the broader national goal of inclusive growth under President Tinubu’s administration.
