Nigeria has taken a bold step to boost industrial growth and consumer welfare with the launch of Project S.C.A.L.E. (Securing Consumer Access for Local Enterprises), an initiative of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP). The programme is designed to increase demand for locally made goods and services by making affordable consumer credit widely accessible.
At the heart of Project S.C.A.L.E. is a deliberate focus on empowering Nigerian households to meet everyday needs while strengthening local industries that form the backbone of the economy. By creating a reliable pathway for consumers to access credit, the scheme not only raises living standards but also supports the sustainability of enterprises producing essential goods and services.
The initiative targets five critical sectors expected to have the highest impact. In the area of home improvement, it will provide credit access for purchases such as furniture, appliances, and building materials, creating fresh opportunities for local artisans and manufacturers. In mobility, it emphasizes cleaner transportation options with support for compressed natural gas and electric vehicles, encouraging innovation in Nigeria’s automotive industry. Electronics and digital products are also a priority, as consumer access to technology becomes increasingly important in the digital age. In energy solutions, Project S.C.A.L.E. will support households in securing reliable power through generators and solar systems. The programme also covers general merchandise, including healthcare, apparel, textiles, and food—everyday essentials that sustain millions of families.
CREDICORP has already begun making an impact, with over 30,000 civil servants benefitting from consumer credit schemes tied to the purchase of locally made products. The corporation emphasized that this product-driven approach is central to its vision of linking credit access with Nigeria’s development goals.
By enabling more Nigerians to buy local goods, Project S.C.A.L.E. creates a ripple effect that strengthens industrial output, safeguards jobs, and generates new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises. It reflects a broader national ambition to build a sustainable economy where consumer choices directly support domestic industries.
Analysts note that beyond improving consumer welfare, the programme has the potential to reposition Nigeria’s industrial landscape by creating stable demand cycles for local manufacturers. If effectively scaled, it could serve as a model for other African economies seeking to use consumer credit as a lever for industrialization and economic transformation.
