How to apply for FG’s YouthCred loan and qualify for up to ₦2 million

The Federal Government has launched YouthCred for Entrepreneurs, a new financing initiative designed to provide collateral-free business loans of between ₦200,000 and ₦2 million to young Nigerians running micro and small businesses.

The programme, unveiled in Abuja, is part of the government’s broader effort to improve access to affordable credit, reduce barriers to entrepreneurship and support the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

According to the government, the initiative will initially support 500,000 young entrepreneurs, with plans to expand the programme to one million beneficiaries before the end of the year.

Unlike conventional bank loans that often require collateral and guarantors, YouthCred uses an alternative credit assessment model that evaluates applicants based on their business cash flow, repayment capacity and credit behaviour.

Who is eligible to apply?

To qualify for the YouthCred loan, applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Own or operate a business
• Demonstrate responsible credit behaviour
• Show evidence of business cash flow and ability to repay the loan
• Complete the required verification process

How much can applicants borrow?

Eligible entrepreneurs can access loans ranging from:

• Minimum: ₦200,000
• Maximum: ₦2 million

The amount approved will depend on the applicant’s business performance, repayment capacity and credit assessment.

Who can benefit?

The programme targets young Nigerians operating small businesses and providing essential services, including:

• Caterers
• Fashion designers and tailors
• Make-up artists
• Hairdressers and barbers
• Content creators
• Ride-hailing drivers
• Mechanics
• Young farmers
• National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members
• ICT professionals
• Other eligible micro and small business owners

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How to apply for the FG’s YouthCred loan

Applicants can complete their application online by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official YouthCred application portal.

Step 2: Create an account using your email address and personal details.

Step 3: Select the Youth Entrepreneur category.

Step 4: Fill in the online application form with accurate personal and business information.

Step 5: Upload the required identification and verification documents.

Step 6: Submit the application for verification and credit assessment.

Step 7: If successful, the application will be processed through participating regulated financial institutions before the loan is disbursed.

Is collateral required?

No.

One of the major advantages of the YouthCred programme is that applicants are not required to provide collateral or guarantors.

Instead, loan approval is based on:

• Business cash flow
• Credit history
• Repayment capacity
• Overall financial assessment

Flexible repayment options

Successful applicants can repay the loan over a period of one to 12 months, depending on the repayment plan that best suits their business and financial situation.

The flexible repayment structure is intended to make borrowing more accessible while encouraging responsible financial management.

How to increase your loan limit

Borrowers who perform well under the programme can qualify for larger loans in future by:

• Repaying previous loans on time
• Building a positive credit history
• Completing the platform’s financial literacy and business training modules

Government explains purpose of the scheme

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy said the initiative was created to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of young Nigerians by giving them access to affordable financing.

According to the minister, more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s MSMEs are microenterprises operated by individuals such as caterers, mechanics, fashion designers, ride-hailing drivers, content creators and young farmers.

He said improving access to credit would help these entrepreneurs expand their businesses, create jobs and contribute more to national economic growth.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), Uzoma Nwagba, said the government intends to reach 500,000 beneficiaries in the first phase and one million young Nigerians before the end of the year.

He encouraged beneficiaries to repay their loans promptly, noting that responsible borrowing would strengthen their credit profiles and allow more Nigerians to benefit from the programme.

The Federal Government said the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to promote financial inclusion, stimulate entrepreneurship and empower young Nigerians with affordable access to business financing.

How to apply for FG’s YouthCred loan and qualify for up to ₦2 million

FG, CREDICORP Roll Out Laptop Credit Scheme for 3MTT Beneficiaries – 1,000 Devices Ready

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) , has launched a transformative financing scheme to provide affordable consumer credit for laptops and other digital devices to beneficiaries of the government’s flagship Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme .

The initiative, branded as Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D.), was officially unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy . The programme is designed to remove the significant upfront cost barrier that has historically prevented many talented Nigerians from acquiring the essential technology needed for learning, employment, and entrepreneurship in an increasingly digital world .

According to an official statement released by CREDICORP, the programme will initially provide 1,000 locally assembled laptops to eligible 3MTT fellows through the Learn2Earn platform . At the launch ceremony, 77 beneficiaries received their devices as the first phase of a nationwide rollout, with the remaining laptops scheduled for distribution to qualified fellows across other states in subsequent phases . This phased approach ensures that the programme is implemented efficiently and reaches beneficiaries in all geopolitical zones of the country .

CREDICORP has partnered with Fidelity Bank to serve as the credit administration partner, responsible for managing the credit processing and repayment framework . The laptops themselves are being assembled locally by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Imose Technologies . This strategic focus on locally assembled devices aligns with the government’s broader commitment to supporting indigenous manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports, and creating jobs within Nigeria’s burgeoning technology ecosystem .

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Speaking at the launch event, Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emphasized that the initiative is designed to ensure Nigerians have access to both digital skills and the physical tools required to participate meaningfully in the country’s growing digital economy .

“Nigeria’s digital economy can only thrive when our people have both the skills and the tools to succeed,” Tijani stated .

“Through C.L.I.C.K.D., we are helping qualifying Nigerians participate more fully in the opportunities created by the 3MTT initiative while strengthening local manufacturing through the use of locally assembled devices” .

Tijani also linked the programme to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader economic vision, saying: “When he said he wants to create a $1 trillion economy, there’s no other way to create that economy but what we’re here to launch today” . He noted that access to affordable credit is fundamental to economic transformation and commended the President and CREDICORP for driving the initiative forward .

Uzoma Nwagba, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CREDICORP, described the scheme as a game-changer that transforms digital devices “from a barrier into an opportunity” by embedding affordable consumer credit into a national talent programme .

“C.L.I.C.K.D. transforms digital devices from a barrier into an opportunity. By embedding affordable consumer credit into a national talent programme like 3MTT, starting with locally assembled laptops, we are giving qualifying Nigerians a responsible pathway to the tools they need to learn, work and earn, while advancing the federal government’s vision for industrial development and job creation on both sides,” Nwagba explained .

Nwagba further elaborated that the programme is specifically designed to equip beneficiaries with the tools they need to acquire in-demand technology skills, improve their learning experience, and strengthen their capacity to transition into meaningful employment or sustainable entrepreneurship . He noted that while Nigeria has made significant strides in improving internet connectivity and expanding digital skills training, access to affordable devices remains a major challenge that prevents many young people from fully participating in the digital economy and the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution .

CREDICORP has also announced that C.L.I.C.K.D. represents its flagship device financing programme and will subsequently be expanded beyond the 3MTT programme to cover other categories of internet-enabled devices and digital tools for working Nigerians nationwide . The corporation plans to collaborate with additional financial institutions, device manufacturers, technology vendors, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) , training institutions, and other key partners to scale access to affordable digital devices across the country in the coming years .

The programme is open to working Nigerians nationwide, with the 3MTT programme serving as the launch partner for this first phase. Interested and eligible individuals are encouraged to register through the official CREDICORP portal at www.credicorp.ng/clickd for more information and to begin the application process .

A major highlight of the launch event was the symbolic presentation of laptop computers to some of the 77 initial beneficiaries by Minister Bosun Tijani. The recipients expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the devices would significantly enhance their ability to participate in the 3MTT training programme and pursue their career aspirations .

The launch of the C.L.I.C.K.D. scheme marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a more inclusive and digitally empowered society. By combining digital skills training with affordable access to locally assembled devices, the government is not only equipping citizens with essential tools but also laying the foundation for a more prosperous, innovative, and connected nation. The programme’s emphasis on local manufacturing and responsible consumer credit further reinforces the administration’s commitment to industrial development, job creation, and economic diversification .

FG, CREDICORP Roll Out Laptop Credit Scheme for 3MTT Beneficiaries – 1,000 Devices Ready

DJ Chicken Released From Kirikiri Detention After Meeting ₦1 Million Bail Conditions

Lagos, Nigeria – Controversial social media influencer and content creator Ademola Abiodun, better known as DJ Chicken, has been released from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre after fulfilling the stringent bail conditions imposed by a Lagos magistrates’ court. His release, confirmed on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, marks the latest turn in a high-profile case that has ignited fierce debate over free speech, cybercrime laws, and political dissent in Nigeria.

DJ Chicken’s legal representative, Rotimi Stephen, announced the development via an Instagram Story, posting a brief but celebratory message: “All glory to God. DJ Chicken.” The post was quickly screenshotted and shared across multiple social platforms, triggering waves of relief among his fans and followers. His release came just four days after the court ordered his remand on Friday, July 18, 2026. The magistrate, B.A. Sonuga, had set bail at ₦1 million—a figure that legal observers described as steep for a first-time cyber offender—alongside two sureties in the same amount.

The charges against DJ Chicken stem from a viral livestream in which he made remarks that authorities interpreted as threatening toward Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He also suggested that the president would not secure re-election in the 2027 general elections. The Lagos State Police Command subsequently filed three criminal charges against him: cybercrime violations under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, breach of public peace, and making threats to kill. Although DJ Chicken later claimed the comments were a prank intended to boost his online engagement and follower count, and issued a public apology, the court proceeded with the case. He entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment.

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The bail terms imposed by the court were among the most rigorous seen in recent cyber-related cases. The magistrate required one surety to be a civil servant with verifiable employment records, while the second surety had to be a community leader with landed property in Lagos State. Both sureties were also ordered to provide three years of tax clearance certificates, recent utility bills such as electricity or water statements, their National Identification Number (NIN) details, and Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) registration. Additionally, at least one surety must be a blood relative of the defendant. Human rights advocates have questioned the proportionality of these conditions, noting that they effectively criminalize poverty and may disproportionately affect young, self-employed content creators who lack formal documentation or property.

Prominent human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore confirmed DJ Chicken’s freedom in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing that the content creator is now reunited with his family, friends, and loved ones. Sowore added that no one should suffer oppression while others watch in silence, especially at the hands of powerful and corrupt forces, and reaffirmed his commitment to standing up for the weak and fighting against injustice wherever it occurs. His statement has been widely shared, with many Nigerians using the opportunity to critique what they perceive as the criminalization of dissent under the current administration.

Shortly after regaining his freedom, DJ Chicken went live on Instagram from inside a vehicle. In the video, he was seen smiling, waving at the camera, and engaging with followers in real time. His lawyer, Rotimi Stephen, was also visible in the vehicle, confirming his client’s emotional and physical well-being. The livestream was later screen-recorded and reposted across platforms, drawing thousands of supportive comments. Fans used hashtags such as #FreeDJChicken and #JusticeForAdemola to express their solidarity.

While DJ Chicken is now out on bail, his legal battle is far from over. The magistrates’ court in Ogba, Lagos, has adjourned the case to August 3, 2026, when substantive hearings are scheduled to begin. If convicted on any of the three counts, he could face significant penalties under the Cybercrimes Act, including fines, imprisonment, or both. Legal analysts note that the case could set a precedent for how Nigerian courts handle online speech involving public figures and political commentary.

This case has reignited conversations about the delicate balance between freedom of expression and national security in Nigeria’s digital space. With the 2027 elections approaching, many observers are watching closely to see whether the government will intensify its scrutiny of online content creators, journalists, and activists. Critics argue that the use of the Cybercrimes Act to prosecute perceived political threats could have a chilling effect on public discourse. Supporters of the prosecution, however, maintain that no citizen—regardless of fame—is above the law when public safety is at stake.

This report is based on confirmed statements from legal representatives, court documents, and credible Nigerian media houses. For continuous updates, refer to Premium Times, The Cable, Vanguard News, Sahara Reporters, and Channels TV. DJ Chicken’s release has been met with both celebration and caution. While his supporters view it as a victory against state overreach, legal experts urge restraint, noting that the trial itself will ultimately determine his fate. For now, the content creator is reunited with his family—but the gavel has not yet fallen.

DJ Chicken Released From Kirikiri Detention After Meeting ₦1 Million Bail Conditions