Auto Bucks Lenders Limited, a financial institution focused on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), has unveiled plans to disburse N65 billion in loans to SMEs as it expands operations into Abuja. The initiative is part of the company’s renewed focus on financing renewable energy projects that can drive sustainable growth for small businesses in Nigeria’s capital.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the company described the expansion as a strategic move to support SMEs in overcoming energy-related challenges, which continue to hamper productivity and business growth. According to the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Adetoun Olasunkanmi, Auto Bucks sees Abuja’s solar energy potential and high electricity costs as both a challenge and an opportunity.
“Abuja presents a unique opportunity due to its vast landmass and solar potential, combined with high electricity costs that hinder SME growth,” Olasunkanmi said. “By prioritising renewable energy financing, we aim to reduce operating costs and help SMEs scale more sustainably.”
Auto Bucks, which already operates in Lagos, Ibadan, and Ogun states, has disbursed over N65 billion in loans to a wide array of sectors, including agribusiness, hospitality, education, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and beauty and wellness. The company’s credit offerings are tailored to suit sector-specific needs, enabling small businesses to access growth capital in a flexible and timely manner.
The lender also announced a new partnership with Green Bucks Limited, its recently launched Energy-as-a-Service subsidiary. This collaboration will provide SMEs with access to full solar energy systems and energy management solutions, supported by Auto Bucks’ credit packages. Through this model, businesses will not only receive installations but ongoing technical support to ensure long-term reliability and cost efficiency.
Olasunkanmi emphasised the importance of strong credit discipline, pointing to the Ibadan branch’s performance, which recorded a zero per cent portfolio at risk in its first year. She expressed optimism that similar standards would be replicated in Abuja and in future expansion locations.
“We are committed to maintaining strict credit and risk management to ensure strong loan performance across our network,” she said.
The announcement follows Auto Bucks’ recent report that it disbursed over N1.5 billion in loans to SMEs within the past nine months through its Ibadan branch alone, underscoring the firm’s growing influence in Nigeria’s SME finance ecosystem.
With this Abuja expansion, Auto Bucks is positioning itself at the intersection of finance and sustainability—backing small businesses not only with capital but also with the tools to navigate Nigeria’s energy landscape more efficiently.
