Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: business growth

  • NICA Demands Shift to Credit-Based Economy to Spur Growth

    NICA Demands Shift to Credit-Based Economy to Spur Growth

    The National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA) has renewed calls for the Federal Government to institutionalize a credit-driven economic model, arguing that a transition from predominantly cash-based transactions can deepen financial inclusion and improve long-term economic resilience.

    Key argument: NICA says a functional credit economy depends on strong legal frameworks for default management and a culture of transparency, alongside closer collaboration between government reforms and professional credit institutions.

    Context: Analysts cited in related coverage suggest a properly implemented credit-led recovery could boost growth, but implementation risks remain—especially amid inflation and policy uncertainty.

    Echotitbits take: A stronger credit system could expand SME capacity and middle-class purchasing power. The real test is whether monetary policy and inflation dynamics can support affordable lending without increasing systemic risk.

    Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/business-services/nica-seeks-migration-to-credit-based-economic-growth/ (January 25, 2026)

    The Guardian 2026-01-25

    Photo Credit: The Guardian

  • Nigeria Can Achieve 2026 Economic Targets Through Targeted Tax Reforms

    Nigeria Can Achieve 2026 Economic Targets Through Targeted Tax Reforms

    Nigeria Can Achieve 2026 Economic Targets Through Targeted Tax Reforms

    In an update published by The Nigerian Observer, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) said Nigeria can meet its 2026 growth targets if the government sustains its reform trajectory. The Chamber emphasized that tax harmonization and the removal of multiple levies on manufacturers are critical for boosting industrial output, competitiveness, and job creation.

    LCCI’s assessment comes amid a broader push for fiscal discipline. The group said recent reforms have been painful but are beginning to attract investor interest. It warned, however, that high costs of doing business—especially energy and logistics—must be addressed so that reform gains are not eroded.

    The Guardian validated the position, quoting an LCCI executive who argued for a tax system that encourages production rather than consumption. ThisDay also reported that business leaders are cautiously optimistic, particularly about the second half of 2026 if policy consistency holds.

    Echotitbits take: LCCI is acting as a constructive critic. Tax harmonization is pivotal because nuisance levies across state and local levels remain a deterrent for SMEs. Reform credibility will be judged by implementation—not press conferences.

    Source: StateHouse— https://statehouse.gov.ng/2026-marks-the-beginning-of-a-more-robust-phase-of-economic-growth/ (2026-01-23)

    Photo Credit: StateHouse

  • CBN Forecasts 4.49% GDP Growth for 2026 Amid Lower Inflation Targets

    CBN Forecasts 4.49% GDP Growth for 2026 Amid Lower Inflation Targets

    According to The Nation, the Central Bank of Nigeria has projected an optimistic economic outlook for 2026, forecasting a 4.49% growth in Gross Domestic Product. The apex bank also anticipates that inflation will ease significantly, aiming for an average of 12.94% by the end of the year.

    The projections are based on the expected stabilization of the foreign exchange market and an increase in domestic oil production. The CBN believes that the ‘painful but necessary’ reforms of the past two years are finally yielding a foundation for sustainable non-oil sector expansion.

    This optimism is shared by the World Bank, which recently gave a ‘positive verdict on Nigeria’s economic growth trajectory,’ citing three years of unbroken growth. Furthermore, The Guardian reported that AI integration in the financial sector will ‘revolutionize risk pricing and personalized liquidity management,’ further supporting the CBN’s modernization goals.

    Echotitbits take: Achieving sub-13% inflation from the highs of 2024–2025 is an ambitious target. Watch for the CBN to maintain high interest rates well into mid-2026 to ensure this disinflationary trend isn’t disrupted by election-cycle spending or supply shocks.

    Source: The Guardian — https://guardian.ng/business-services/cbn-projects-4-49-growth-lower-inflation-in-2026-outlook/
    The Guardian January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Guardian

  • Regent Microfinance Bank Says MSME Lending Has Crossed ₦10bn in Total Disbursements

    Regent Microfinance Bank Says MSME Lending Has Crossed ₦10bn in Total Disbursements

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-23

    Coverage from Punch says Regent Microfinance Bank says it has crossed ₦10 billion in cumulative lending to MSMEs, pitching the milestone as part of a push to narrow Nigeria’s credit gap.

    The report suggests the lender pairs credit with advisory support and repayment flexibility to help small businesses survive inflation and weak demand.

    For MSMEs, the key test remains conditions—pricing, tenor, and speed of disbursement—especially as working-capital stress persists.

    Punch framed the milestone: “By reaching the N10bn mark in disbursements…”. The Nation also reported the bank “has disbursed over N10 billion in cumulative loans disbursements…”.

    Echotitbits take: MSME lending is essential but default risk is high in this cycle. Watch for portfolio quality after Q1 2026 and whether borrowers get practical support like bookkeeping and inventory discipline.

    Source: The Punch — December 23, 2025 (https://punchng.com/regent-mfb-crosses-n10bn-msme-lending-milestone/)
    The Punch2025-12-23

  • Regent MFB Says It Has Crossed ₦10bn in MSME Loan Disbursements

    Regent MFB Says It Has Crossed ₦10bn in MSME Loan Disbursements

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-23 09:00:00

    From a brief by The Punch, Regent Microfinance Bank says it has passed the ₦10 billion mark in cumulative MSME loan disbursements, positioning the milestone as part of its push to close Nigeria’s credit gap for small businesses.

    The bank frames the milestone as evidence that structured micro-lending—paired with advisory support—can help small enterprises scale beyond survival mode, especially amid inflation and weak consumer demand.

    For MSME operators, the bigger story is access: whether such disbursements translate to broader geographic reach, fair pricing, and sustainable repayment terms that don’t trap businesses in rollover cycles.

    It also reflects a sector-wide narrative: microfinance banks competing for relevance by tying credit to digital onboarding, supply-chain partnerships, and specialised products for traders and light manufacturers.

    Validation: The Nation reports, “Regent Microfinance Bank (MfB) has disbursed over N10 billion in cumulative loans disbursements to… MSMEs.” In Regent MFB’s own messaging, the milestone is presented as impact-driven: “By reaching the N10bn mark in disbursements, the bank reinforces its role as a catalyst for productivity…”

    Echotitbits take: The next thing to watch is asset quality. If repayment performance stays strong, MSME credit can scale responsibly; if not, we’ll see tighter lending and higher effective borrowing costs.

    Source: The Punch — December 23, 2025 (https://punchng.com/regent-mfb-crosses-n10bn-msme-lending-milestone/)
    The Punch 2025-12-23