Nigeria’s Credit Guarantee Scheme launches July 2025 with ₦100bn to support MSMEs, de-risk lending, and boost inclusive economic growth

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] major intervention to transform business lending in Nigeria is set to launch on 1 July 2025.

The National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), a newly established financial institution, will begin operations with an initial ₦100 billion capital injection.

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This bold initiative, announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to unlock credit access for businesses nationwide, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), manufacturers, and underserved economic sectors.

For years, collateral constraints and risk aversion have stifled lending in Nigeria’s real economy. NCGC is designed to fix that.

Rather than lending directly, the institution will partner with commercial banks, microfinance banks, fintechs, and development finance institutions.

Through partial credit guarantees, it will assume part of the risk on qualifying loans, giving lenders the confidence to extend credit to viable but previously overlooked businesses.

Target beneficiaries span a broad range: youth and women-led ventures, local manufacturers, value chain operators, exporters, and large enterprises operating in key priority sectors.

Islamic, non-interest financing models are also part of the roadmap.

The company’s three-pronged approach includes Partial Credit Guarantees (covering up to 60 percent of loan principal), Co-Guarantees with other institutions, and Technical Assistance to strengthen both lender portfolios and borrower readiness.

This institution will de-risk lending and unlock real sector expansion.

Sectors eligible for support include agriculture, renewable energy, digital and tech startups, textile and leather works, solid minerals, green economy solutions, and infrastructure-linked manufacturing.

Guarantees will also back performance bonds for businesses delivering contract-based obligations.

NCGC’s operations are guided by international best practices in credit risk-sharing — balancing inclusion with fiscal responsibility.

All guarantees issued will be irrevocable and aligned with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s regulations, ensuring credibility and discipline within the financial system.

President Tinubu said the company is central to the Renewed Hope Agenda. “This institution will de-risk lending and unlock real sector expansion,” he stated.

By reducing barriers and expanding reach, the NCGC is positioned to trigger widespread job creation, enterprise growth, and national productivity.

It marks a shift from isolated interventions to a systemic response aimed at improving trust, reducing poverty, and scaling up Nigeria’s financial inclusion ambitions.