By Adedapo Adesanya
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has quelled rumours that it charges a certain amount on Covid-19 loan applications.
The apex bank stressed that the N50 billion Targeted Credit Facility (TCF) stimulus package is meant to support households and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
This clarification was made by the Director of Corporate Communications at CBN, Mr Isaac Okorafor, in a statement on Monday. He said the rumours making the rounds that there was an application processing fee for granting the loan request were false.
“The attention of the 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 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,” he clarified.
He then explained that any observed irregularities should be reported to the Consumer Protection Department of the CBN via [email protected] or call 07002255226.
Dipo Olowookere