By Dayo Omoogun
The apex Bank has reacted to social media reports that loan seekers under the COVID-19 special intervention loans are required to pay a processing fee.
“The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (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 Targeted Credit Facility (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)”.
In a statement signed by the its Director of Corporate Communication Isaac Okorafor, the bank urged “members of the public, particularly households and small scale businesses to disregard any message requiring them to pay any money 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. Any observed irregularities should be reported to the Consumer Protection Department of the CBN via cpd@cbn.gov.ng or call 07002255226.”