Nigeria’s credit market nears 10,000 in Q1
Nigeria recorded an average of 9,611 debtors in the first quarter of 2026, but the figure was still 88.5 per cent lower than the average recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025, raising concerns among analysts about a widening gap between credit growth and access to financing for business expansion and investment, writes ARINZE NWAFOR Read More:…
Nigeria's credit market saw a slight increase in the first quarter of 2026, with an average of 9,611 debtors, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria. This figure marked a significant 88.5% decrease from the 83,370 quarterly average recorded in Q1 2025, raising concerns among analysts regarding the gap between credit growth and access to financing for business expansion and investment.
The increase in registered debtors was driven by individuals and businesses, with individual debtors rising 54.1% year-on-year to an average of 8,409 in Q1 2026. However, the number of business debtors remained considerably lower than the levels seen in Q4 2025. Creditors also saw an 88.5% decline in Q1 2026 compared to the previous quarter, despite a 52.2% increase in the number of creditors.
Experts attribute the improvement to monetary easing but warn that the distribution of lending remains a concern.
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- Nigeria’s credit market nears 10,000 in Q1 punchng.com
