CreditRegistry to provide financial literacy to 3m Nigerian families

CreditRegistry, a credit bureau, says it intends to bridge the gap in the business sector by providing financial literacy to 3 million Nigerian families by 2030. 

The company said that Nigerian families will by 2030, through its initiative, be empowered with knowledge on building generational wealth.

Speaking on CreditRegistry’s plans, Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, the company’s managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO), said the credit bureau intends to achieve its goal through its annual ‘Africa Credit Expo’.

Sharrieff-Ayedun said financial literacy is critical for wealth creation, adding that “credit isn’t just a number”.

She said it is a tool that “opens the doors to financial freedom”.

The CEO said the expo seeks to provide average Nigerians, including students, small business owners, and families, with the skills they need to manage credit and build wealth.

Sharrieff-Ayedun said the financial literacy campaign would address important themes such as savings, investments, insurance, and credit management.

“We want to ensure that people not only have access to credit but also understand how to use it responsibly to build strong credit profiles and create wealth for future generations,” she said.

“Our goal is to make financial literacy accessible to all Nigerians. We’re teaching people not just how to fish but how to own the pond, so they can feed their generations.”

Sharrieff-Ayedun noted CreditRegistry’s financial literacy initiative, which began in 2023, has already reached over a million Nigerians through webinars and in-person seminars.

She added the credit bureau hopes to continue expanding its reach with the support of sponsors and partners.

On her part, Fatoumata Coker, chairman of CreditRegistry, highlighted the importance of credit awareness among Nigerians,

“Many people don’t know that they’re entitled to a free credit report every year,” she said.

“We want to educate the public on how credit works and how it can be used to expand their financial worth.”

Coker said the expo aims to shift the focus from businesses to consumers, ensuring that individuals understand the advantages of good credit.

“Most people in Nigeria rely on cash transactions, but building credibility can open doors to more opportunities,” she added.

Oni further said character is essential in accessing credit and scaling up businesses, outlining the importance of creating a track record through banking relationships.