CBN says it does not charge any fee on COVID-19 loan applications

Isaac Okorafo

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has denied reports circulating on social media alleging that loan seekers and owners of small-scale businesses who apply for loans provided to cushion the effects of COVID-19 are required to pay a certain amount as application processing fee.

The Apex bank, instead, explained in a press statement signed by its Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, that there are clearly spelt out procedures for accessing
the N50 billion Targeted Credit Facility (TCF) stimulus package. 

The package, we gathered, is meant to support households and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are disbursed through the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB).

The statement, however, did not actually clarify if or not these loan seekers are required to pay a certain amount as application processing fee. It instead directed them to approach NIRSAL Microfinance Bank or the CBN branch nearest to them for clarification on the procedure for accessing any of the CBN-related loans 

Below is tex of the statement:
"The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has again been drawn to false reports in the social media circles that loan seekers and owners of small-scale businesses who apply for loans provided to cushion the effects of COVID-19 are required to pay a certain amount as application processing fee.

"For the avoidance of doubt, there are clearly spelt out procedures for accessing the N50 billion Targeted Credit Facility (TCF) stimulus package to support households and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are disbursed through the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB).

"Members of the public, particularly households and owners of small-scale businesses, are therefore advised to disregard any message requiring them to pay any amount to process their applications.

"Prospective applicants are advised to approach NIRSAL Microfinance Bank or the CBN branch nearest to them for clarification on the procedure for accessing any of the CBN-related loans. Any observed irregularities should be reported to the Consumer Protection Department of the CBN via cpd@cbn.gov.ng or call 07002255226."

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