Business
FirstBank Empowers Nigeria’s Digital Lending Charge with FirstCredit
In the fast-evolving world of digital banking, Nigeria stands on the brink of a financial revolution. As the global pandemic has accelerated digitalization, the need for accessible, efficient, and reliable financial services has never been more crucial. FirstCredit by FirstBank emerges as a groundbreaking digital lending solution designed to meet the demands of Nigerians where the need for quick cash is ticking ever northward.
The shift towards digital banking in Nigeria has been both rapid and transformative. With the increasing penetration of mobile phones and internet access, more Nigerians are embracing digital solutions for their financial needs. This trend has been further amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated minimal physical contact and prompted a surge in digital transactions.
Digital banking offers numerous advantages, including convenience, speed, and accessibility. For many Nigerians, especially those in remote areas, digital banking services have provided unprecedented access to financial tools and resources. However, despite these advancements, a significant gap remains in the availability of quick and hassle-free credit facilities. This is where FirstCredit steps in.
In a country where traditional lending processes are often bogged down by paperwork, collateral requirements, and lengthy approval times, FirstCredit emerges as a beacon of innovation. It addresses several critical needs, including:
Accessibility: Many Nigerians still lack access to traditional banking services. FirstCredit bridges this gap by offering loans that can be accessed from anywhere, anytime, using a mobile phone or tablet. There is no need to visit a bank, making it an ideal solution for those in remote or underserved areas. You do not need a smartphone to access FirstBank’s FirstCredit.
Speed: In a fast-paced economy, waiting weeks for loan approval is not feasible for many individuals and businesses. FirstCredit ensures that loan applications are processed swiftly, with funds disbursed immediately upon approval. This quick turnaround is crucial for addressing urgent financial needs.
Simplicity: Traditional loans often require extensive documentation and collateral, which can be a barrier for many. FirstCredit simplifies the process by eliminating these requirements. All that is needed is an active mobile number registered for USSD banking and a history of regular account transactions with FirstBank.
Flexibility: With a maximum loan amount of N300,000 and a flexible repayment tenor of up to 30 days, FirstCredit offers terms that are adaptable to the borrower’s needs. The flat interest rate of 8% and a 5% insurance fee per transaction are straightforward and transparent, ensuring borrowers are fully aware of the costs involved.
Features of FirstCredit
First Credit is designed with user convenience and financial inclusivity at its core. Here are some of its standout features:
Easy Access via USSD: Customers can apply for loans by simply dialing *894# and following a few straightforward steps. This USSD code is accessible on any mobile device, ensuring that even those without smartphones can benefit from the service.
No Documentation or Collateral: The absence of cumbersome paperwork and collateral requirements makes the application process smooth and accessible.
Immediate Disbursement: Once approved, the loan amount is credited to the borrower’s account immediately, providing instant financial relief.
Flexible Repayment: Borrowers have the option to repay the loan before the 30-day tenor, allowing for flexibility based on their financial situation.
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, customers must have been in a relationship with FirstBank for at least six months, have a valid BVN, a good credit history, and use the mobile number registered for USSD banking. Regular account transactions further enhance eligibility.
The introduction of FirstCredit marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital banking journey. As digital lending becomes more embedded in the financial ecosystem, it promises to unlock new opportunities for individuals and businesses alike.
For FirstBank, the move towards digital lending is not just a strategy for retaining market share but also a means to drive business growth and profitability. By leveraging technology, banks can offer personalized, efficient, and scalable financial services that meet the evolving needs of their customers, which FirstBank has leveraged on.
Moreover, the broader adoption of digital lending solutions like FirstCredit can have a transformative impact on Nigeria’s economy. It can empower small businesses with the capital they need to grow, support individuals in financial need, and foster a more inclusive economic environment.
FirstCredit is more than just a lending product; it is a visionary step towards a future where financial services are democratized and accessible to all Nigerians. As digital banking continues to evolve, solutions like FirstCredit will play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s more inclusive and dynamic financial landscape.
Qualitative indicators suggest that FirstCredit has successfully addressed key financial needs in Nigeria. It’s design, focusing on accessibility, speed, and simplicity, aligns well with the demands of the Nigerian market. Continued success can be inferred from its widespread adoption and the broader positive trends in digital lending within the country. And Nigerians can trust that with FirstCredit, there is no ‘wayo’ because it is powered by West Africa premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, FirstBank.
Culled from NairaMetrics
Anyone who has tried to get a loan to buy a house in Nigeria knows the drill: endless forms, property valuation, and eventual down payment of a minimum 25% or more on the property. Sometimes, interest rates could go as high as 30% per annum, while the typical loan limit is N50 million.
Now, FirstBank is making homeownership more attractive.
FirstBank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has introduced the MREIF Home Loan. MREIF loan is a game-changer, offering a single-digit interest rate of 9.75% per annum, with a loan amount of up to ₦100 million and a repayment period of up to 20 years. This is perfect for salaried individuals, including Nigerians in the diaspora, looking to purchase homes in approved locations.
The MREIF loan stands out with its lower interest rate, higher loan amount, and flexible equity contribution as low as 10%. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordable homeownership.
You are one quick decision away from being a landlord.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home, FirstBank’s MREIF Home Loan is the smartest route to owning property in Nigeria today. Visit the FirstBank website https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ to get started.
Business
Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation to Drive Economic Resilience
Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green econoy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.
The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.
In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.
He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”
The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous national bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has successfully met and surpassed the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation requirements, reaffirming its status as a National bank. This achievement represents a critical milestone in the Bank’s growth journey, reflecting its ability to meet regulatory expectations and its deliberate strategy to scale sustainably, strengthen its balance sheet, and reinforce its position within Nigeria’s banking sector.
The milestone follows the Bank’s successful completion of a ₦150 billion Rights Issue and an additional ₦50 billion special placement in 2025, bringing its Total Qualifying Capital to ₦264.7 billion, well above the regulatory minimum. This achievement was concluded six months ahead of the CBN’s stipulated deadline, further reinforcing the Bank’s strong financial position, shareholder confidence, and long-term growth trajectory.
Earlier in April 2026, the Central Bank of Nigeria also formally confirmed that Wema Bank, alongside 32 other financial institutions across international, national, and regional categories, had successfully concluded the recapitalisation process. Notably, Wema stands among only ten national banks that met and surpassed the minimum required capital threshold, thereby sustaining its national banking license.
This milestone not only affirms regulatory compliance but also signals a new phase of accelerated growth for the Bank; one defined by stronger capital base, increased capacity to support customers, and a reinforced position within Nigeria’s competitive banking landscape.
Commenting on the milestone, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, stated, “The successful completion of our recapitalisation exercise is a defining moment for Wema Bank. It is a strong validation of our strategy, our performance, and the enduring confidence our shareholders and stakeholders have in our vision. We have not only met the CBN’s requirements; we have exceeded them, reinforcing our position as a National Bank with the scale, strength, and stability to compete and lead.”
In March 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria announced the recapitalisation programme requiring all national banks to maintain a minimum capital base of ₦200 billion. The initiative was designed to strengthen the resilience of financial institutions, enhance their capacity to absorb economic shocks, and position them to drive sustainable economic growth.
In response, Wema Bank embarked on a strategic capital raise through the stock market, successfully strengthening its shareholder base and securing the required capital through strong participation from existing investors. The ₦150 billion Rights Issue, which opened on April 14, 2025, and closed on May 21, 2025, marked a significant step in this journey. This was subsequently complemented by a ₦50 billion special placement later in the year, ensuring the Bank not only met but exceeded the regulatory threshold well ahead of schedule.
For Wema Bank, this journey is a testament to its transformation. After regaining its national license in 2015, the Bank has consistently demonstrated financial discipline and strategic foresight. By raising the necessary capital primarily from existing shareholders, the Bank has underscored a deep-seated mutual trust between the institution and its investors.
Speaking further on what this achievement means for the Bank’s future and its customers, Oseni added: “This milestone strengthens our ability to compete at scale, deepen our market presence, and deliver more value to our customers across Nigeria through improved access to credit, enhanced digital banking experiences, and innovative financial solutions. It positions us to play an even bigger role in powering Nigeria’s economy while continuing to deliver sustainable value to all our stakeholders.
Looking ahead, we remain focused on deepening our market presence, driving customer-centric innovation, and strengthening our role as a catalyst for growth across retail, SME, and corporate segments. This is not just about retaining our license; it is about building a bigger, stronger, and more impactful Wema Bank.”
The successful conclusion of the recapitalisation process underscores Wema Bank’s financial strength, disciplined execution, and unwavering commitment to regulatory compliance as it continues to expand its footprint across Nigeria. With a significantly strengthened capital base, the Bank is now positioned to do more – support more customers, enable more businesses, and unlock more opportunities across every segment it serves.
As it enters this new phase, Wema Bank is not only reaffirming its status as a National Bank; it is stepping forward with greater scale, sharper ambition, and a clear intent to lead. The Bank remains firmly committed to powering progress, driving innovation through ALAT, and delivering sustained value; powering a future of possibilities for all its stakeholders.
