The Federal Government has unveiled ‘YouthCred’, a single-digit interest loan scheme designed to support members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in starting and growing their businesses.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), will provide corps members with access to credit facilities of up to N200,000.
Speaking at the Lagos NYSC orientation camp on Thursday, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised Nigerian youths as some of the most brilliant and innovative globally. He said the scheme is aimed at ensuring that financial constraints do not stop corps members from turning their entrepreneurial ideas into reality.
“We don’t want you to lose your dream because of the lack of a token; that is why we are bringing YouthCred to you. This will give you the push needed to start your business,” Olawande said. He urged corps members to remain patient and committed, noting that rebuilding Nigeria’s economy will take sustained effort.
Uzoma Nwagba, Managing Director of CREDICORP, stressed the importance of responsible credit in empowering young Nigerians. He explained that access to affordable loans can help corps members acquire vital tools such as laptops or smartphones for online work, enabling them to earn income and improve their livelihoods without years of savings.
“The president believes that consumer credit should be widely accessible. We want to make credit cheaper and easier for you than going to a regular financial institution,” Nwagba said.
The YouthCred programme is expected to enhance corps members’ welfare by providing them with a financial lifeline to start small businesses, gain work tools, and build their credit profiles for future opportunities.
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