When people talk about financial inclusion, it often sounds like another upcoming finance term. But for people like Mrs. Eniola and Mr. Hussain, it’s a lifeline.

They’re traders, not career professionals. They don’t wear suits to work, and they’ve never had the luxury of retirement plans or safety nets. But today, their stories are changing. Not because someone handed them a favour, but because the system finally started working in their favour.

At Credit Direct, we’ve always believed inclusion is not an ambition. It’s a responsibility, it is something we build. Not just for people, but with them.

More Than a Loan

Before joining Credit Direct, Mrs. Eniola relied on traditional contributions (Àjo) to restock her foodstuff shop. Mr. Hussain used informal savings and occasional loans to keep his herbal medicine business alive. His trade goes back 40 years, passed down from his mother.

Now, their reality has shifted, as they’re not only accessing fast and reliable credit, but they’re also now saving for the future through micro pensions. They’re protected with micro insurance, and making personal investments with the confidence of those who feel seen and supported.

“Typically, we traders don’t have hope for pension, but with Credit Direct, there’s now hope for something,” Mrs. Eniola shares.

“We are doing this local business. No pension, no insurance. But now, we have both,” adds Mr. Hussain.

A Personalized Financial Inclusion Model

One of the biggest barriers to inclusion is not access. Rather, it is trust, proximity, and being able to look someone in the eye and know they understand your daily struggle.

That’s why we built a model anchored in human connection. Every customer gets a dedicated Relationship Officer. Not a voice from a distant office, but a familiar face who understands their business, their dreams, and their truth.

“She checks in on me every day,” says Mr. Hussain.

“She’s patient and always guides me,” says Mrs. Eniola.

This is more than financial service. It is companionship, partnership, and respect all rolled into one.

Built for Markets, Powered by Impact

Since launching Credit Direct Together in December 2024, we have moved from one market in Lagos to 26 markets across Lagos and Ogun.

Our goal is simple. We want to bring this same kind of transformation to over 100 markets in the next 12 months. That means reaching more than 10,000 informal sector workers who have been left out of traditional systems.

Inclusion should never be a privilege; it should be a given. This is the kind of change that lasts. The kind of work that transforms communities. The kind of future we are committed to building.

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