FG Moves To Democratise Credit Access, Inaugurates CREDICORP Board

We’re targeting 50% of working population by 2030, says VP Shettima

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has inaugurated the Board of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), saying access to consumer credit is critical to Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu established the CREDICORP to build a trusted credit infrastructure, provide catalytic capital to lower borrowing costs, and help Nigerians overcome long-standing cultural resistance to credit.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja when he inaugurated the Board on behalf of the President, the Vice President said that the quality of life of Nigerians cannot improve without closing the gap between access to capital and human dignity.

“A civil servant who earns honestly does not have to chase sudden wealth just to buy a vehicle, or save for ten years to buy one. A young professional should not remain in darkness simply because solar power must be paid for all at once,” the Vice President said.

VP Shettima disclosed that in just one year of operations, CREDICORP has disbursed over ₦37 billion in consumer credit to more than 200,000 Nigerians, with over half of them accessing formal credit for the first time.

The Vice President said the organisation is specifically tasked with building credit infrastructure to bridge the trust gap between lenders and borrowers, providing wholesale capital and credit guarantees through its portfolio company.

“Ultimately, these critical jobs of CREDICORP will enable access to consumer credit to at least 50 per cent of working Nigerians by 2030,” he said.

The Vice President explained that the new board’s role is not ceremonial as they are custodians of the organisation’s mission, adding that the long-term strength of the institution would depend on their “vigilance, integrity, sacrifice, and commitment.”

He directed Board members to uphold Public Service Rules, the Board Charter, and all applicable governance frameworks, warning that accountability and stewardship of public resources were non-negotiable.

Earlier, Chairman of CREDICORP, Otunba Aderemi Abdul, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his vision behind the formation of CREDICORP and for the confidence reposed in them, noting that the establishment of Corporation marked an important step towards strengthening the nation’s financial architecture.

He assured President Tinubu that the board understands its responsibility and will guide the institution to deliver meaningful benefits to Nigerians.

For his part, Engr. Uzoma Nwagba, Managing Director/CEO of CREDICORP, recalled watching President Tinubu saying 20 years ago that consumer credit is one of the major tools that will improve the lives of Nigerians.

He noted that over the past 18 months, the institution has benefited more than 200,000 Nigerians, including students.

He assured that the presidential vision behind CREDICORP would not be taken lightly, as the team considers their appointments a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Other members of the board inaugurated include Olanike Kolawole, Executive Director, Operations; Aisha Abdullahi, Executive Director, Credit and Portfolio Management; Dr. Armstrong Ume-Takang (MD, MoFI), Representative of MoFI; Engr. Bisoye Coke-Odusote (DG, NIMC), Representative of NIMC; and Mohammed Naziru Abbas, Representative of FMITI.

Others are Marvin Nadah, Representative of FCCPC; Chinonyelum Ndidi, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance; Mohammed Abbas Jega, Independent Director; and Toyin Adeniji, Independent Director.

FG Moves To Democratise Credit Access, Inaugurates CREDICORP Board

NAPTIP, UK Government Rally Against Rising Trafficking into Southeast Asia Scam Centres

By: Michael Mike

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with the British High Commission Abuja, has amplified the voices of trafficking survivors in a bold move to confront the fast-growing crisis of cyber-enabled scam operations across Southeast Asia.

At a landmark survivor-centred forum held in Abuja on Monday, stakeholders gathered under the theme, “Confronting the Global Scam Centre Crisis: Perspectives of Nigerian Survivors,” to spotlight the emerging pattern of Nigerians being lured abroad with fake job offers and forced into criminal cyber-fraud networks.

The event featured testimonies from recently repatriated Nigerians who were trafficked to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, where they were compelled to operate sophisticated online scam schemes under harsh, exploitative and often abusive conditions.

The programme followed a coordinated rescue effort involving NAPTIP, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok, the British NGO EDEN, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Their joint intervention — including cross-border triangulation at the Thai–Myanmar frontier and welfare visits to detained Nigerians at Bangkok’s Immigration Detention Centre — led to the safe return of 23 survivors earlier this month.

Global data underscore the severity of the crisis. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) 2026 report titled “A Wicked Problem,” credible estimates indicate that at least 120,000 individuals are currently trapped in forced scam operations inside Myanmar alone, with figures exceeding 300,000 across Southeast Asia. The report notes that victims identified originate from at least 66 countries, and that between 2020 and 2025, 74 percent of known victims trafficked into scam centres were taken to Southeast Asia after being promised lucrative employment.

Speaking at the event, the UK Deputy High Commissioner to Abuja, Gill Lever, said the forum was designed to centre survivors’ voices and ensure their experiences inform prevention and response strategies.

“We are here to listen to survivors who have shown remarkable bravery in sharing their experiences,” she said. “The UK is working closely with Nigerian authorities and partners to ensure trauma-informed care, safe repatriation and stronger safeguards against this rapidly evolving threat.”

Representing the Director-General of NAPTIP, Mrs. Kehinde Akomolafe, the agency’s Director of Public Enlightenment, described the accounts as a stark reminder of the cruelty underpinning modern trafficking networks.

“The courage these survivors have shown is extraordinary,” she said. “Their experiences expose the brutal reality of trafficking into scam centres — a crime that strips individuals of their dignity, autonomy and freedom. NAPTIP remains resolute in protecting Nigerians from this growing menace and strengthening collaboration with international partners.”

One survivor recounted being promised a legitimate job opportunity abroad, only to be trapped in a high-security compound and coerced into online fraud under constant surveillance and threats.

“I was promised opportunity and a better life,” the survivor said. “Instead, I lived in fear and was forced to do things against my will. I am speaking out so other Nigerians can recognise the warning signs. No one should go through what we endured.”

Stakeholders at the forum called for intensified public awareness campaigns, tighter scrutiny of overseas recruitment channels, enhanced intelligence-sharing among Commonwealth partners and stronger victim-protection frameworks.

As cyber-enabled trafficking networks expand across borders, Nigerian and UK authorities signalled that survivor-led advocacy will remain central to dismantling scam syndicates and preventing further exploitation.

NAPTIP, UK Government Rally Against Rising Trafficking into Southeast Asia Scam Centres

Governor Zulum Felicitates with the Muslim Ummah on the Commencement of 2026 Ramadan

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has extended warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah in Borno State, Nigeria, and across the world on the commencement of the Ramadan fast, 1447 After Hijrah

Governor Zulum described the Holy month of Ramadan as a period of spiritual rejuvenation, self-discipline, sacrifice, compassion, and devotion to Almighty Allah. He noted that fasting is not only about abstaining from food and drink, but also about purifying the heart, strengthening faith, promoting patience, and extending kindness to the less fortunate and less privileged members of society.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor urged Muslim faithful to use the blessed month to deepen their acts of worship, supplication, and charitable giving, promote unity, and uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect that Islam teaches.

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the Muslim Ummah on the commencement of the Ramadan fast, one of the five pillars of Islam. This Ramadan is coming at a time when the state continues to witness sustained peace and a bumper harvest from last year’s cropping season,” Zulum said.

“On Tuesday, I launched the distribution of Ramadan palliatives to 300,000 households across all 27 local government areas of the state, designed to cushion the economic burden on vulnerable residents during the holy month of Ramadan. The gesture will also be extended to members of the Christian community who are also fasting the Lent which falls within the month of Ramadan,”.

Reflecting on Borno’s journey over the past fifteen years, Governor Zulum acknowledged the resilience, patience, and sacrifices as the state recovers from Boko Haram insurgency. He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to restoring lasting security, rebuilding destroyed communities, resettling displaced families, and reviving livelihoods across the state.

“Our government remains focused on consolidating the gains achieved in security through close collaboration with the Federal Government and security agencies. We are rebuilding schools, hospitals, roads, and markets, and supporting farmers, traders, and youth to restore economic activities in liberated communities,” he remarked.

He added that significant progress has been made in reconstruction and rehabilitation, but emphasized that collective prayers and unity of purpose remain essential to sustaining peace and stability in Borno State and Nigeria as a whole.

Governor Zulum therefore called on the Muslim Ummah to dedicate this Ramadan to fervent prayers for enduring peace, security, prosperity and national cohesion. He also encouraged citizens to support one another, especially vulnerable families, widows, orphans and those affected by the insurgency.

“As we observe this sacred month, let us renew our commitment to righteousness, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity. With faith, unity and perseverance, we shall continue to rebuild our state stronger and more resilient than ever,” he said.

He called on well-spirited individuals and groups to support the less fortunate members of society in this season of faith renewal and rejuvenation.

Zulum also felicitated with the Christian community on the commencement of Lent, which coincides with the day Muslims start the month-long Ramadan fast.

“This is not a mere coincidence. Rather, it underscores the need for unity, peaceful coexistence, and collective action in building and advancing the state and the nation,” he emphasized.

The governor prayed that Almighty Allah accepts the fast, supplication, and good deeds, and grant Borno State and Nigeria sustainable peace and development.

Governor Zulum Felicitates with the Muslim Ummah on the Commencement of 2026 Ramadan