CREDICORP Launches YouthCred, Nigeria’s Largest Youth Credit Initiative
In his Democracy Day address on June 12, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that in July, the Federal Government would introduce a credit scheme aimed at impacting 400,000 Nigerians—including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members—with consumer credit. Today, that promise has materialised with the official launch of YouthCred, a nationwide programme overseen by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), designed to empower young Nigerians with responsible access to credit—starting with NYSC corps members.
The launch follows a successful Strategic Planning & Debriefing Session involving NYSC State Coordinators, during which CREDICORP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Youth Service Corps and trained officers across all 36 states on how to utilise the YouthCred platform. This marks a significant institutional alignment, transforming credit from mere financing into a catalyst for economic development and personal empowerment.
YouthCred is more than a simple lending programme; it represents a cultural shift. For decades, credit in Nigeria has often been misunderstood, misused, or out of reach for many young people. This initiative aims to change that perception by combining financial education with accessible, affordable credit. It is designed to equip a new generation with the knowledge to understand credit, manage it responsibly, and establish a credit history from an early age. The platform is now live at www.youthcred.com.
The initial phase targets NYSC members, who will be required to complete a brief digital credit education module prior to accessing personalised loans for various needs—whether relocating, purchasing devices, funding training, or supporting small businesses. For the first time, young Nigerians will not only access credit but will also learn how to manage it effectively, repay on time, and foster trust within the financial system.
With this launch now operational for Corps members, the programme will expand to include employed youth, offering entry-level professionals access to credit tailored to their circumstances and ambitions. Subsequently, youth-led enterprises will also benefit, as young entrepreneurs gain the financing necessary to expand their ventures and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
YouthCred heralds a new era—one that recognises that financial trust must be cultivated early and that Nigeria’s youth deserve the tools to succeed. It is a national pledge to promote economic inclusion, financial discipline, and sustainable prosperity. In line with CREDICORP’s mission to democratise credit and broaden access, YouthCred is paving the way for lifelong financial empowerment for millions of young Nigerians.
The journey has begun. From democratic ideals to dignity, from policy to people—YouthCred is not just a programme; it’s a movement.