THE N200 billion relief support for small medium enterprises (SMEs) and other small businesses in the country from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Government comes with too stringent procedures. These prevent too many SMS owners from accessing the fund.
Priority one on the NIRSAL Microfinance bank’s requirement is for those SMEs intending to apply for loan to provide a certificate of completion of Entrepreneurship before they could be considered at all. But we think financial literacy course, at no too much cost to those applying for the loan is necessary as well.
Many Nigeria SMEs are struggling in the area of financial literacy. Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing.The lack of these skills is called financial illiteracy.
Central Bank of Nigeria should know this was affecting the country’s ability to create or grow SMEs. Most banks look at the SMEs track record, which points back to financial literacy, before approving a loan request.
The crutch of financial literacy is about creating wealth and have a series of income making assets so if one breaks down, there are still other generating income.Financial literacy is not really about the power of money but having a sound mind that will help people know how to use money and channel it to work rather.
With financial literacy and a good cash flow, it enables people to make good decisions, have good homes and good standards of living and bring the country up the poverty line.
Financial literacy is important because it equips us with the knowledge and skills we need to manage money effectively. Without it, our financial decisions and the actions we take — or don’t take — lack a solid foundation for success.
Nearly half of the working Nigerians don’t expect to have enough money to retire comfortably and that is the reality.
Most households in the country appear to be generally better at managing immediate and shorter-term financial activities but are less competent at managing longer term financial activities (including activities which require forward planning) and more complex financial activities, including those which require engagement with the formal financial system.
According to our findings, many Nigerians obtain credit from unlicensed moneylenders and loan sharks. Though there are no official statistics available, it is estimated that Nigerias unregulated lending sector may range from approximately 50 to around 280 registered businesses that offer short-term (pay-day) loans to government employees and to some private sector employees.That is not even taking into account all the non-registered businesses offering the same services.
Improved financial literacy can increase economic participation and social inclusion, drive competition and market efficiency in the financial services sector, and potentially reduce regulatory intervention.The push for financial inclusiveness is achieving considerable success, but greater understanding of money and savings is needed. This is where CBN should focus more.
Saving money is incredibly important. It gives you peace of mind, expands your options for decisions that have a major effect on your quality of life, and eventually gives you the option to retire. Most people who are wealthy got there through a combination of their own hard work and smart savings and investment decisions.
Only financial education will make a big impact on the SME ecosystem and our community.
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