Economists Discuss the Reasons Why Nigeria Should Increase Access to Affordable Credit for Businesses
In recent discussions surrounding economic growth and development, a recurrent theme has been the significant role that access to affordable credit plays in the sustainability and expansion of businesses. In Nigeria —a nation with a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit and a rapidly expanding market economy—there is a growing chorus of economists arguing that increased access to credit is not only a catalyst for business expansion but also an essential tool for reducing income inequality, creating jobs, and fostering overall economic resilience. The conversation on access to credit has often centered on its critical role in empowering both individuals and enterprises to realize their long-term financial goals . For many, the absence of affordable credit lines has translated into a major roadblock in pursuing investments that could otherwise enhance productivity and drive innovation. In emerging economies around the world, traditional financial institutions have often been unable or unwill...