At Credit Direct, our mission has always been to bring practical financial inclusion to the people who keep Nigeria’s informal economy alive.

In October and November, we took this commitment further by completing a large-scale medical outreach across major markets in Lagos.

The initiative, executed in partnership with EmPLE Insurance, allowed us to deliver essential healthcare services while expanding access to financial tools that help traders build long-term stability.

The project was designed around a simple belief. Financial inclusion only works when people are healthy enough to participate in economic activities.

Our team visited 18 markets across Lagos and engaged more than 2,200 beneficiaries. These markets included Jankara Market, Ikotun Market, Igando Market, Kosofe Market, Mile 12 Market, Odo Eran Market, Irepodun Oja Oba Odejobi Market, Mandela Market, Ojota Market, Temidire Market, Ibafo Market, Kudaki Market, Tinubu Ultra-Modern Market, Unity Market, Ayewadun Market (Kola), Ifelodun Market (Alakuko), Olorunda Market, and Ojo Oba Moruf Market.

Medical personnel from EmPLE Insurance carried out blood sugar checks, blood pressure tests, and general consultations.

Free vitamins, pain relief medication, anti-malarial drugs, and blood supplements were also distributed. Many traders shared that they had not undergone basic medical tests in years due to cost constraints or limited access to healthcare.

This outreach builds on our broader effort to expand financial access among excluded communities.

Earlier in March 2025, we launched the pilot financial inclusion initiative for market traders, introducing pension, insurance cover, investment opportunities, and credit of up to N500,000.

Our approach is practical. Field agents meet with traders’ associations, introduce our financial inclusion product, and enlighten customers on its benefits.

Our loans come with a 5% monthly interest rate over three months. 1% funds the insurance, 1% supports the pension account, and 3% covers operations.

We also create a high savings account that earns interest and protects traders from the risks associated with informal custodianship.

As explained by Emeka Ucheaga, Head of Strategy and Financial Inclusion, our priority is impact.

Every trader who takes a loan automatically receives an FCMB pension account, and we contribute a portion of their repayments into that account.

Our partnership with EmPLE Insurance also ensures that every financial inclusion customer is covered for fire incidents, medical expenses, and hospital cash back without paying separately.

Looking ahead, Credit Direct is exploring digital commerce links that will connect traders to our wider customer ecosystem.

The goal is to help them sell more, grow sustainably, and experience shared prosperity.

The market has been generous to us over the years, and we remain committed to supporting it.