NCGC Set to Launch July 1, Unlocking ₦100 Billion Credit Access for Nigerian Businesses

 NCGC Set to Launch July 1, Unlocking ₦100 Billion Credit Access for Nigerian Businesses

Abuja, Nigeria – In a major step toward deepening financial inclusion and supporting Nigeria’s real sector, the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC) is set to officially commence operations on July 1, 2025. Backed by an initial capital commitment of ₦100 billion, recently announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the company is designed as a specialised financial institution to provide risk-sharing guarantees that ease access to credit for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), manufacturers, and other critical sectors of the economy.

For years, Nigerian entrepreneurs—especially small and medium-scale businesses—have faced steep barriers accessing finance due to collateral limitations and perceived risk by lenders. NCGC aims to change that by offering partial credit guarantees, enabling financial institutions to lend more confidently to viable but underserved borrowers.

“NCGC is not a direct lender,” the company clarified. “We partner with commercial banks, microfinance institutions, fintechs, and other CBN-licensed development finance entities to share credit risk, catalyze lending, and drive inclusive economic growth.”

Who Stands to Benefit?

NCGC’s guarantee framework targets a wide range of potential beneficiaries, including:

MSMEs across urban and rural regions

Local manufacturers and value chain operators

Women- and youth-led enterprises

Export-focused and non-interest-based businesses

Credit consumers and large enterprises within priority sectors

What NCGC Offers

The company’s suite of services includes:

Partial Credit Guarantees: Covering up to 60% of the outstanding principal on eligible loans

Co-Guarantees: Risk-sharing partnerships with other guarantors and institutions

Technical Assistance: Capacity-building for both lenders and borrowers to strengthen creditworthiness and improve loan performance

Strategic Principles

NCGC’s model is guided by key principles that reflect global best practices in credit risk-sharing:

Risk-sharing (not full risk transfer)

Strategic issuance to maintain borrower discipline

Inclusive eligibility criteria to maximize developmental impact

Full alignment with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulations

These principles are intended to ensure that every guarantee issued is responsible, irrevocable, and targeted for real impact.

Product Offerings and Sectoral Focus

NCGC has developed tailored guarantee products to meet diverse lending needs, such as:

Individual Guarantees: For high-value, project-specific loans

Portfolio Guarantees: Covering loan pools within homogeneous sectors such as agriculture or creative industries

Performance Bond Guarantees: Supporting businesses pursuing contract-based obligations

Coverage extends across key sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing, digital tech, solid minerals, textiles, export enterprises, and women- and youth-owned businesses. A Shariah-compliant guarantee product is also in the pipeline for Islamic finance institutions and enterprises.

Building a More Resilient Economy

With its launch, NCGC is positioned to serve as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aligning public sector goals with private sector opportunities to build a more inclusive, self-sufficient economy.

The company’s mission includes:

Unlocking credit for real sector expansion

Enabling job creation and poverty alleviation

Strengthening the MSME ecosystem

Boosting investor and lender confidence in Nigeria’s credit markets

Connect With NCGC

As NCGC prepares to roll out its services, stakeholders across the financial and business sectors are invited to collaborate in building a stronger, more accessible lending environment.

Contact Information:

Email: info@ncgc.ng

Website: www.ncgc.ng

Address: 8th Floor, BOI House, Plot 256, Zone AO, Off Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District, FCT–Abuja

With its July 1st launch date fast approaching, the National Credit Guarantee Company is poised to 

become a game-changer in unlocking finance for Nigeria’s economic growth and development.