The National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) today formalized strategic partnerships with leading Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Victoria Hall, Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.

The ceremony, attended by top executives from the financial services sector, development partners, and key stakeholders, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward inclusive economic growth and unlocking access to finance.

Through this partnership, NCGC will provide credit guarantee solutions that de-risk lending to youth and women-led enterprises, while also supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), local manufacturers, and underserved credit consumers. By reducing barriers to finance, PFIs are better positioned to extend credit to underserved businesses and households, while NCGC absorbs a share of the risk.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, Managing Director/CEO of NCGC, emphasized that the initiative is not just about signing documents it is about forging a bold partnership that will reshape how credit is accessed in Nigeria. He noted that MSMEs, which contribute nearly half of Nigeria’s GDP, have long faced barriers to affordable financing due to perceived risks. NCGC was established to bridge this gap through innovative guarantee products, including:

• Individual Guarantees for term loans (up to 5 years) and working capital (up to 24 months), ranging from ₦50 million to ₦10 billion
• Portfolio Guarantees with single obligor limits of ₦50 million and portfolio caps of ₦5 billion
• Partial Credit Guarantees covering up to 60% of loan value
• Co-Guarantees and Technical Assistance to support PFIs

Drawing inspiration from successful global models in India, South Korea, and the UK, NCGC is poised to catalyze inclusive growth and financial stability in Nigeria. The pilot phase will focus on high-impact sectors such as agriculture, fashion, green energy, export-oriented businesses, and education.

Ms. Tinuola Aigwedo, Executive Director of Strategy and Operations, in her interview with the press men, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative:

“This partnership is not just about financial inclusion it’s about economic empowerment. By unlocking access to credit for youth and women entrepreneurs, we’re laying the foundation for a more resilient and equitable economy.”

She reiterated that the onboarding of PFIs is a major milestone in fulfilling NCGC’s mandate, aligning directly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritizes youth empowerment, women’s economic inclusion, and support for local enterprises.

In his closing remarks, Professor Oseni, Executive Director of Risk & Credit Control, extended heartfelt appreciation to all PFIs present. He stated:

“We all need one another for the economy to grow. This partnership is the beginning of an exciting journey one that will bring finance to underserved communities and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit.”

As part of this pilot phase, NCGC is committing ₦5 billion in credit guarantees to each onboarded Participating Financial Institution, specifically targeting women-owned and youth-led MSMEs. This bold investment is expected to stimulate job creation, strengthen value chains, and improve key financial metrics like credit-to-GDP ratio.

This MoU represents more than a legal agreement it’s a collective pledge to build a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem for Nigeria.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Corporate Communications Department

National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC)

📧 [email protected] | 📞 0903 797 9326

• “Renewed hope is not merely a slogan, but a call to action and a vision in progress,” – Obasa

Two years into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria, according to Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has witnessed an inspiring transformation – a rejuvenation of the economy, a renewal of the national spirit, and a reinvention of the Nigerian state.

Speaking at the 10th Constituency Stakeholders Engagement held inside the Agege Local Government Area secretariat hall on Thursday, Obasa disclosed that this year’s theme, ‘Governance in Action: The Gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ was carefully chosen to highlight the tangible benefits of governance, particularly in alignment with the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Tinubu.

He stated, “This unique programme, which is holding across all the 40 constituencies in the state, gives us a viable opportunity to render an account of our stewardship as well as engage, interact, and strengthen our mutual relationship and solidarity, and to collectively address pressing matters affecting the growth, progress and development of our great community.”

According to Speaker Obasa, “Under the Renewed Hope agenda, the administration has aggressively tackled the challenges of economic stagnation and instability. Strategic economic reforms, including a re-engineering of fiscal policies and revenue-generating mechanisms, have boosted investor confidence and diversified our economy. These reforms have led to an improved credit rating and have laid a strong foundation for economic prosperity and sustainable development,” he said.

Recognising that robust infrastructure is the backbone of development, Speaker Obasa disclosed that the Tinubu administration has launched transformative projects nationwide, including new road networks, upgraded ports, and state-of-the-art public facilities, which he said are not only enhancing the quality of life but also reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a hub for commerce and innovation.

Further, Speaker Obasa said that because agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s quest for food security and self-sufficiency, “The Renewed Hope Agenda has driven significant investments into mechanised farming and modern agricultural practices. Improved access to financing and expanded markets have empowered our farmers, increased production, and positioned Nigeria as a potential agricultural powerhouse.”

He also highlighted the Tinubu administration’s investment in human capital, especially the students’ loan initiative under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a landmark policy that has brought renewed hope to our youths. “Campuses are now more peaceful, infrastructure is improving, and there’s a measure of stability in the academic environment across the federation. Education is once again becoming the tool for empowerment and national development,” he added.

Thus, Obasa opined, “The Renewed Hope Agenda is not by chance; it is a deliberate blueprint for national recovery and sustainability. It is designed to lift millions out of poverty by unlocking economic opportunities for all Nigerians — young and old – men and women, in both urban and rural areas.”

The Speaker drew a parallel between what is happening at the centre and in Lagos State, saying, “In consonance with the national drive for progress, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has been a pivotal partner in the realisation of this shared vision. His tenure is characterised by innovative urban renewal projects, efficient public service delivery, and legislative collaboration for sustainable growth.

“Lagos, as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, has seen groundbreaking infrastructural developments. Modern transport systems, sustainable housing projects, and pioneering urban planning initiatives have transformed our cityscape, making Lagos not only a city of opportunities but a beacon of modern urbanism.”

He added that the proactive engagement between the Executive arm and the House of Assembly has led to the passage of progressive laws that support social welfare, environmental sustainability, and infrastructural innovation. “This strong legislative backing has been instrumental in creating an enabling environment for private investments and public-private partnerships,” Obasa added.

As he reeled out a long list of federal and state government achievements, and those he singlehandedly facilitated in his Agege Constituency, Speaker Obasa was intermittently interrupted by excited constituents belting out popular and political songs, underscoring in no small measure, their appreciation for the man who had dedicated the past 24years of his life to serving them as a legislator.

In his welcome address, Hon. Abdul Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, the acting executive chairman of Agege LGA, was filled with praises for President Tinubu’s steadfast commitment to restoring Nigeria to the path of economic stability and prosperity through the Renewed Hope Agenda. He promised to emulate the president in ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every member of his community.
The event was attended by constituents, party leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and members of various trade associations, among others.

President Bola Tinubu has left Abuja to begin a 10-working-day “working vacation” in Europe as part of his 2025 annual leave, the Presidency announced on Thursday.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the president’s itinerary includes trips to France and the United Kingdom, after which he is expected to return to Nigeria .

The statement did not clarify whether Tinubu will transmit a formal leave notice to the National Assembly under Section 145(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which allows the Vice President to act in his stead. Notably, both chambers are currently on recess .

This marks another foreign excursion shortly after a diplomatic mission to Japan and Brazil in late August, where Tinubu pursued trade, aviation, and security agreements during meetings in Japan and with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil .