Update on FG N50,000 IYALOJA/GEEP Loan Scheme December 2024

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) is set to launch a new loan scheme for petty traders, known as the IYALOJA/GEEP Loan Scheme, in December 2023.

IYALOJA/GEEP Loan Scheme

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) is set to launch a new loan scheme for petty traders, known as the IYALOJA Loan Scheme, in November 2023.

The scheme is a continuation of the GEEP Loan Scheme, which was launched by the previous administration in 2016. The GEEP Loan Scheme provided microloans to low-income Nigerians, including petty traders, artisans, and farmers.

The IYALOJA/GEEP Loan Scheme is specifically designed for petty traders, and will provide them with the financial support they need to grow their businesses.

The scheme is targeted at reaching at least 1.5 million Nigerians nationwide, and will provide a non-interest loan of N50,000 to phase 1 of market traders, selected from 109 markets across every Senatorial zone in Nigeria.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has begun market sensitization and engagement activities in preparation for the launch of the Scheme.

In a statement, Dr. Edu said: “The IYALOJA/GEEP Loan Scheme is a key part of the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce poverty and boost economic growth. Petty traders play a vital role in the Nigerian economy, and this scheme will provide them with the financial support they need to grow their businesses and create jobs.”

Additional details:

• The IYALOJA/GEEP Loan Scheme is being implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BoI).
• The loan is repayable over a period of 6 months.
• There is no collateral required for the loan.
• The loan can be used for a variety of business purposes, such as purchasing inventory, expanding into new markets, and hiring new staff.

The FG is hopeful that the IYALOJA/GEEP Loan Scheme will make a significant contribution to reducing poverty and boosting economic growth in Nigeria.

Benefits of the IYALOJA/GEEP Loan Scheme

The IYALOJA/GEEP Loan Scheme offers a number of benefits to petty traders, including:

Access to finance: The scheme provides petty traders with access to finance, which can be used to purchase inventory, expand their businesses, or hire additional staff.

Financial inclusion: The scheme helps to promote financial inclusion by encouraging petty traders to open bank accounts and use formal financial services.

Economic empowerment: The scheme helps to economically empower petty traders by providing them with the resources they need to grow their businesses and create jobs.

Mandatory Loan Paperwork

Prior to starting the application process, customers must establish an account with the Industry Bank. The necessary paperwork for opening this account is detailed below. Upon completing the account setup, a unique customer ID will be generated.

To open an account, one needs to fill out and submit an account opening form along with all the essential documents:

List of Requirements for Opening an Account

• Signed shareholder schedule by the company secretary (Shareholder Register) for new clients and confirmation of prior submission for existing clients.
• Complete Incorporation Papers:
• Photocopy of the Certificate of Incorporation
• Verified true copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Forms CAC 2.5 (Share Allocation)
• CAC 2.3 (Director Details)
• CAC 2.1 (Company Secretary Appointment)
• Identification for all company Directors (e.g., copies of International Passport/Driver’s License, National Identity Card) and BVN of Executive Directors. (Note: Director IDs are crucial for compliance and credit checks)
• Once the account is active, the loan application process can start. This involves filling out a loan application form and submitting and verifying all necessary documents:

List of Requirements for Loan Application/Approval

• Official Loan Request on Company Letterhead
• Completed Loan Application Form
• Feasibility Study on the financed project, detailing technology and manufacturing processes, etc.
• Quotations/Proforma Invoices for Machinery and Equipment, and Raw Material costs in quantity and price
• Security: Bank Guarantee, letter of intent for Bank Guarantee (including Risk Management as a signatory) from the issuing commercial bank, or an approved exception, OR
• Legal Mortgage
• Copy of property title documents (e.g., Statutory Certificate of Occupancy/Deed of Assignment/Conveyance/Deed of Sublease)
• Property Valuation Report from an accredited valuer of BOI
• Lease agreement for rented premises
• Drafts of Technical, Management, Machinery Supply, and/or Joint Venture Agreements (if applicable)
• Three-year Audited Financial Accounts and recent Management Account from BOI accredited auditors (for existing businesses) OR Statement of Affairs (for businesses under one year)
• One-year Company Bank Statement
• The final step is the offer letter issuance
• Two options for this phase are:
• Regulatory approvals (e.g., NAFDAC certificate, Mining Lease)
• Declaration of Existing Liabilities to other entities or individuals
• After loan approval, the final stage is disbursement. The following documents are needed before disbursement:

List of Requirements for Loan Availment/Disbursement

From the customer:

• Endorsed Offer Letter by a Director and Company Secretary or two Directors
• Offer Acceptance Letter and Authorized Signatory Specimen Signature Letter
• Board Resolution for borrowing
• Signed Loan Agreement
• Fee Payment Evidence (if applicable – appraisal, commitment, and legal fees)
• Attestation Letter
• Original proforma invoices for approved items
• Four Passport Photos of the Chief Promoter and a Director
• Annual Return filing evidence, Tax Clearance Certificate -TCC- for the Company, Chief Promoter, and Directors. Payment evidence (eTCC) for deferment
• Bank Guarantee or title/other legal documents submission (e.g., Statutory Certificate of Occupancy of pledged property, ground rent receipts, etc.)
• Interest Payment Undertaking during moratorium
• View or download the checklist

Features

• Single Borrower Limit: ₦50,000
• Duration: 6 months
• Rates/Charges: MarketMoni: Interest-free (with a one-time 5% admin fee), TraderMoni: Interest-free (with a one-time 2.5% admin fee)

How to Apply for the IYALOJA/GEEP Loan Scheme

The application process for the Iyaloja/GEEP Loan Scheme is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit a designated Iyaloja/GEEP Loan Scheme application center: These centers are typically located within major markets or local government offices.
2. Obtain an application form: You can either collect the form from the application center or download it from the official website of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).
3. Complete the application form carefully: Ensure you provide accurate and up-to-date information.
4. Attach required documents: These may include a copy of your valid ID, a passport photograph, a letter of attestation from your market women’s association, and evidence of your business activities.
5. Submit the completed application form and documents: Return the form and documents to the designated application center.

Application Review and Disbursement

Once your application is submitted, it will undergo a review process. If your application is successful, you will be notified and invited to participate in a mandatory financial literacy training program. Upon completion of the training, you will receive the loan amount of N50,000, which is typically disbursed electronically.

The enumerator will capture the trader’s information and open a savings account for them. Once the trader’s registration is complete, they will receive the N50,000 loan directly into their savings account.

Eligibility Requirements for the IYALOJA/GEEP Loan Scheme

To be eligible for the IYALOJA/GEEP Loan Scheme, petty traders must meet the following criteria:

Be a Nigerian citizen

Be a petty trader with a business in one of the selected markets

Be at least 18 years old

Have a valid bank account

Additional Information

Here is some additional information about the IYALOJA/GEEP Loan Scheme:

The scheme is open to all petty traders, regardless of their gender, religion, or ethnicity.

The loan is repayable over a period of 12 months.

Petty traders are not required to provide any collateral to obtain the loan.

The scheme is administered by the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO).

If you are a petty trader and you are interested in applying for the IYALOJA/GEEP Loan Scheme, please visit your local market and meet with a Nassco enumerator.