{
  "id": 17786872,
  "title": "FG introduces USSD code for loans covering food, solar, others",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/fg-introduces-ussd-code-for-loans-covering-food-solar-others",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T11:34:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/fg-introduces-ussd-code-for-loans-covering-food-solar-others/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a USSD-based credit service called SPARK, designed to help Nigerians access loans using basic mobile phones without requiring internet connectivity or smartphones. The initiative, launched by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), aims to expand access to credit, particularly for first-time borrowers with limited or no formal credit history. Interested Nigerians can access SPARK by dialing the USSD code *347*333#. The service is not yet confirmed to be fully operational nationwide, but CREDICORP expects it to become more widely available before the end of 2026. The initiative is part of CREDICORP's broader consumer credit programmes, which cover five thematic areas, including mobility, digital devices, energy solutions, home improvement, and life essentials. The program aims to help borrowers establish repayment records that could improve their credit profiles and create opportunities to access further financial services.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}