Loans, Grants & Financing You Can Apply for Right Now

The federal government has several active programmes offering loans, grants, and financing to Nigerians — from students and traders to small business owners and young entrepreneurs. Here are some of it:

• Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Founders Lab Programme 2026 — Non-Equity Funding for Startups
  Offered by: Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme
  Who it’s for: Early-stage Nigerian startups and founders in tech, digital, and creative industries (including media, entertainment, IT, and innovation-driven businesses)
  What’s on offer: Up to ₦7 million in non-equity funding (you don’t give up ownership), alongside mentorship, business support, and access to networks to help scale your startup
  Where to apply: idice.africa/founderslab
  Application Deadline: April 19, 2026

• South East Venture Capital Program (SEVCP) — Venture Funding for High-Growth Startups
  Offered by: South East Development Commission
  Who it’s for: High-potential founders and startups based in or focused on South East Nigeria, particularly in tech, innovation, and digital sectors
  What’s on offer: Access to a $50 million blended finance Venture Capital Fund, designed to provide funding, attract private investment, and support startup growth while also strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem
  Where to apply: sedc.gov.ng

• GEEP — Government Enterprise & Empowerment Programme
  Offered by: National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA)
  Who it’s for: Market women, traders, farmers, and artisans
  What’s on offer: Interest-free, collateral-free loans of up to ₦300,000 to help small businesses grow, restock, or stabilise
  How to apply: geep.nsipa.gov.ng

• YEIDEP — Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Development Empowerment Programme
  Offered by: Federal Government in partnership with Fidelity Bank
  Who it’s for: Young Nigerians looking to start or grow a business
  What’s on offer: Financing and structured support for youth-led enterprises and innovative ventures
  Where to apply:
  yeidep.org
  Fidelity Bank YEIDEP Portal

• NELFUND — Nigerian Education Loan Fund
  Offered by: Federal Government (Nigerian Education Loan Fund)
  Who it’s for: Students enrolled in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education
  What’s on offer: Zero-interest loans covering institutional fees and an optional ₦20,000 monthly upkeep stipend. Repayment begins two years after NYSC completion
  What you need: JAMB or matric number, NIN, BVN, and a bank account
  Where to apply: portal.nelf.gov.ng

• BOI — Bank of Industry SME Loans
  Offered by: Bank of Industry (Federal Government-owned)
  Who it’s for: Registered small and medium businesses across sectors including agriculture, fashion, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and creative industries
  What’s on offer: Below-market-rate loans from ₦10 million to ₦1 billion, with repayment periods of 3–5 years and a 3–12-month moratorium (grace period before repayments begin)
  What you need: CAC registration, business plan, and financial statements
  Where to apply: boi.ng

• MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) — Affordable Home Loans
  Offered by: Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI)
  Who it’s for: Nigerians looking to buy a home or developers building housing
  What’s on offer: Mortgages at 9.75% interest — significantly below the standard commercial bank rate of 25–30% — with repayment terms of up to 20 years
  Where to apply:
  Homebuyers: mreif.com.ng
  Renewed Hope Housing: renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng

NOTE:
Always verify details directly on official government websites before applying. Official Nigerian government portals end in .gov.ng or are hosted by agencies like boi.ng. Be cautious of third-party agents charging fees to process your application.

Know of another government opportunity we should list? Send it to us. We’ll verify and add it.

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