When I first heard about digital lending apps in Nigeria, I was very skeptical. Having struggled with financial issues in the past, I wanted to be certain any lending platform I used was legitimate and followed the proper regulations. That’s why I decided to thoroughly research Branch Loan, one of the most popular lending apps, to see if it was a viable and responsible option. 

In this article, I will breakdown everything you need to know about Branch Loan, including how to download, sign up, check interest rates, understand their loan codes, and determine if it is really a legitimate and Central Bank of Nigeria approved lending platform. By the end, you’ll have a full understanding of whether Branch can be a helpful tool for your own financial needs or if you need to look elsewhere. 

What is Branch Loan?

Branch Loan is a digital lending platform that allows users in Nigeria to apply for and receive short term loans directly from their smartphones. 

Founded in 2020, they have quickly grown to become one of the largest lending apps in the country. Branch differentiates itself from other lenders by offering a completely digital, hassle-free application and approval process that can have funds deposited into a user’s bank account within minutes once approved.

Downloading and Signing Up for Branch Loan

To get started, you will first need to download the Branch Loan app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. 

Once downloaded, open the app and follow the onboarding process to set up your profile. You will be asked to provide your name, phone number, address, bank account details, and employment information. Branch will also need access to some permissions on your phone like contacts, camera, and location to verify your identity. Once your profile is completed, it is time to submit your first loan application.

How to apply for Branch Loan app 

To apply for a loan, go to the “Apply” section of the Branch app. Here you will see they provide loans ranging from 30,000 to 300,000 Naira. Select the amount you need and your preferred loan duration which can be anywhere from 5 to 30 days. 

You will then need to provide details on what the loan is for like bills, rent, emergencies etc. Branch uses this plus your credit history to instantly decision your loan application. Decisions are made within seconds!

Branch Interest Rates & Fees

While Branch offers convenient service, you do not want to take out loans without understanding the full cost. Their interest rates vary depending on your creditworthiness but generally range between 2-5% per month. 

On a 100,000 Naira 30-day loan, for example, the totalrepayable amount with interest would be around 105,000 Naira. There are no hidden or additional fees either. Branch is fully transparent about rates upfront so you know exactly what is owed. Just be sure not to miss repayment deadlines to avoid penalties.

Once approved, you can check your loan status and transaction history in the Branch app. Here you will see codes associated with any funds sent or received. For instance, an “LA” code means the loan amount was disbursed while “IR” refers to an interest repayment installment. Being able to track installments and due dates helps keep you on top of your loan responsibilities. Simply remember – the sooner a loan is repaid, the less interest accrues.

Is Branch Loan Legitimate? 

As Branch Loan operates within Nigeria’s regulatory guidelines for digital lenders, it can be considered a legitimate lending platform. While no lending platform is without risks, Branch Loan appears to be operating legally and helping many Nigerians access small, short-term loans responsibly. Just be sure to only borrow what you can comfortably repay on time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Branch Loan offers a simple, digital-first way to apply for and receive small loans directly from your phone. While interest rates are higher than traditional banks, they are fully disclosed upfront with no tricks. 

By carefully reviewing loan amounts, dates and educating yourself on all terms, Branch can be a reliable option when in need of emergency or short-term funds. Always remember to repay on time to avoid any penalties and protect your credit health long term. Let me know if you have any other questions!

FAQs

Is the branch loan app approved by CBN?

Yes, Branch International Financial Services Limited, the company behind the Branch loan app, is one of the digital lending apps that has been fully approved by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to operate in Nigeria. 

What happens if I’m unable to repay branch loan on time? 

If a payment is missed, Branch will first send payment reminders via app notification, calls and SMS. If the loan remains unpaid after 7 days, a small penalty fee of 1% interest per week on the outstanding amount will be charged until repayment. It is best to avoid late payments by setting calendar reminders ahead of due dates. Non-payment of several loans could also impact future credit approval amounts or terms.

Have you ever wanted to start your own business and be your own boss? If so, becoming an MTN Momo agent is a great low-cost opportunity to earn additional income on a flexible schedule. MTN Momo is a popular mobile money service in Nigeria that allows customers to easily send and receive funds directly from their mobile phones. As an MTN Momo agent, you can register clients, conduct transactions on their behalf, and earn a commission on every transaction processed. 

In this article, I will provide a step-by-step guide on how to become an MTN Momo agent and make money by serving customers in your local community. I will also explain how you can locate active Momo agents near you if you need help getting started. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to take advantage of this business opportunity and start profiting from mobile money transfers.

What is MTN Momo? 

Before learning how to become an agent, it’s important to understand what MTN Momo is and how it works. MTN Momo is a mobile money service launched by MTN Nigeria in 2009. It allows customers to complete financial transactions directly from their mobile phones, without needing a bank account. Some key features of MTN Momo include:

• Send and receive money: Customers can instantly send money to other MTN mobile subscribers or accounts. They can also receive funds from others. 
• Bill payments: Bills for utilities, TV subscriptions, loans, and more can be paid directly from the MTN Momo wallet. 
• Airtime purchase: Top up airtime credits for yourself or others using Momo.
• Merchant payments: Make purchases from participating merchants and pay directly from your Momo account.

By acting as an intermediary agent, you can help regular Nigerians access these convenient mobile money services even if they don’t have a smartphone.

How to Become an MTN Momo Agent

To become an official MTN Momo agent authorized to transact on behalf of customers, there is a registration process you must complete:

Meet the requirements: You must be 18+ years old, have a valid ID, have a location to operate your business, and pay the registration fee.

Attend agent training: Sign up for the free virtual or in-person training on Momo products, policies, and how to use the agent portal. 

Apply online: Fill out the online application form providing your details, location, and supporting documents. 

Setup verification visit: After approval, Momo staff will visit your registered address for identification verification.

Fund your agent wallet: Deposit the required minimum opening balance which starts from ₦5,000. 

Get your agent kits: These include a signboard, receipt booklets, and other materials to start operations.

That’s all it takes to get started! Once registered, you can begin conducting transactions and earning commissions immediately.

Benefits of Being an MTN Momo Agent

Why should you consider becoming an MTN Momo agent? Here are some of the key benefits:

Potential for high profits: As agent transactions add up, so do your earnings. Profit margins range from 1-5% per transaction. 

Low start-up costs: Unlike other businesses, you don’t need much capital to begin. Funding your wallet is the biggest initial investment.

Flexible business hours: Run your agent point anytime that’s convenient as customers need money services around the clock. 

Be your own boss: Full control over how you operate the business and ability to expand your services over time.

Doesn’t this seem like a great low-risk opportunity to generate a supplementary income on your own terms?

How to Operate as an MTN Momo Agent

Once registered, here are the key steps to operate your Momo agent business successfully:

1. Setup your agent point: Display signage clearly so customers recognize you easily. 
2. Conduct know-your-customer (KYC) checks: Verify IDs for new subscribers and maintain detailed records as required.
3. Learn the agent portal: Familiarize yourself with the online system to log in, check balances, initiate transfers, view reports etc. 
4. Provide quality customer service: Be polite, patient and helpful to build a loyal customer base through great service.
5. Attend periodic trainings: Stay up-to-date on new features, policies, security protocols through Momo’s training programs.
6. Apply for higher transaction limits: As your business grows, you can request higher daily/monthly limits to handle larger volumes. 
7. Remain complaint with all rules: Always follow Momo terms, maintain up-to-date licenses and permissions to avoid penalties.
8. Maintain financial records properly: Keep organized accounting of all transactions for record-keeping, dispute resolution and audits.

By sticking to best practices, you can run your agent point professionally and earn repeat custom over the long-run.

How to Locate MTN Momo Agents Near You

Now that you understand how to become an agent, here are some suggestions on how to locate available agents if you need help with Momo transactions:

• Visit busy spots like markets, bus stations, shopping centers where agents commonly operate visible points. 
• Speak to local shop owners and residents for referrals to nearby agents they may have used before.
• Go through Momo’s website, apps or Google to find listings of active agents in your local area. 
• They maintain directories of small local businesses including Momo agents that can help you.
• Keep an eye out for clearly displayed Momo agent branding at physical stores, kiosks or homes.
• Larger cities may also have manned Momo sales booths within MTN retail locations. 

Once you track down some options available close by, check their business hours and ratings if published before deciding who to visit. Have all account and transaction details ready when you go.

Conclusion

To summarize, becoming an MTN Momo agent is a low-cost yet highly lucrative business opportunity for entrepreneurs and individuals in Nigeria looking to earn extra income conveniently. 

By following MTN’s registration process and guidelines for agents, anyone can start accepting transactions and recieve commissions right away. Focus on providing excellent customer service to build loyal clients and grow your business over time through word-of-mouth referrals. With the huge demand for mobile money services, being a Momo agent ensures a steady stream of customers.

 I hope this guide has given you everything you need to get started as an MTN Momo agent or locate agent services near you with ease.

FAQs

What is the code for the MoMo agent?

The code for a MoMo agent is *502# . To become a MoMo agent, dial *502# with your MTN phone number and follow the prompts. 

How much does a MTN SIM registration agent make?

An MTN SIM registration agent’s average net salary in Nigeria is ₦26,000 . However, as a MoMo agent, earnings are based on commission, not a fixed salary, with more transactions leading to higher commissions .

Moniepoint is an innovative fintech company that provides digital banking and payment solutions in Nigeria. In this detailed guide, we will discuss the step-by-step process to get a Moniepoint ATM card, debit card and account number so you can start enjoying their convenient services. 

What is Moniepoint?

Moniepoint is a licensed deposit-taking financial institution that offers basic banking services digitally via their mobile app. They aim to promote financial inclusion by making account opening and funds transfer processes fast, affordable and accessible to everyone in Nigeria. 

Am I Eligible to Open a Moniepoint Account?

To be eligible to use Moniepoint account, you need to meet up with the following criteria 

• Be a resident of Nigeria with a valid ID (international passport, driver’s license or national ID card)
• Be at least 18 years old 
• Have a valid Nigerian phone number 
• Not be listed on any financial crime watchlist

As long as you meet these criteria, you can easily sign up for a Moniepoint digital bank account from anywhere in Nigeria.

How to Get Started with Moniepoint Account Registration

Here are the step-by-step instructions to register for a Moniepoint account

1. Download the Moniepoint mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. 

2. Open the app and select “Create an account” 

3. Enter your valid phone number and choose a strong password for your account. 

4. You will receive an OTP (one-time password) via SMS. Enter it to verify your number.

5. Upload clear photos/scans of your valid ID and a selfie as required by KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations. 

6. Provide your biodata like name, date of birth etc. as asked on the app. 

7. Read through the terms and conditions and accept them by checking the box. 

8. Your Moniepoint account will be instantly created once your details are verified.

The entire registration process takes only 5-10 minutes to complete remotely on your phone.

How to Link Your Bank Account to Moniepoint

Once your Moniepoint account is created, follow these steps to link your existing bank account:  

1. Go to the “Link Account” section within the app.

2. Select your bank from the list of supported banks.

3. Enter your bank account number andVerification Code. 

4. You will receive an OTP on your registered phone number. 

5. Input the OTP to verify and link your bank account.

6. Your bank will be successfully linked to make deposits, transfers etc.

Make sure the account number you enter is correct to avoid facing issues later on. You can link as many bank accounts as you want.

Now that your bank account is linked, you can start using your Moniepoint wallet. Ideally start with a minimum of ₦1000 to activate your account and linked debit card functions. All deposits are instantly credited to your e-wallet.

How to Activate & Use Your New Moniepoint Debit Card

Let’s summarize the key steps after receiving your Moniepoint debit card

1. Go to moniepoint.com or open the app after receiving the card. 

2. Click “Card Activation” and enter your MP login details.

3. Set a 4-digit ATM PIN number for cash withdrawals. 

4. The card is now activated for payments and ATM access across Nigeria.

5. Check your card balance and transaction history regularly within the app. 

6. Use the card to make both online and in-store payments via Mastercard network. 

7. Withdraw cash from any ATM by inputting the PIN you created.  

8. Report any issues promptly via in-app chat/call center for assistance.

9. Your card limits can be customized as per requirements within the app security settings.

I’ve been using my Moniepoint debit card for the past 6 months and it works smoothly just like a regular bank card. Transactions are reflected instantly too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get my account number with my ATM card?

The number printed prominently on your debit or ATM card is not your bank account number. The 16-digit number on the front of the card is the debit card number, which is unique to that card and links it to your bank account, but is not the actual account number.

To find your bank account number, look on your bank statements, either online or paper statements. The account number is typically printed at the top of each statement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Moniepoint provides a very convenient, secure and affordable digital banking solution for Nigerians. It takes just 10 minutes to sign up and get started. With the Mastercard debit card, you can now manage your finances on the go and make transactions seamlessly. I hope this detailed guide helped you understand the simple steps to set up your Moniepoint account and start using their excellent services. Feel free to comment below if you need any clarification on the process.

Have you ever struggled to manage your finances or make payments due to not having a bank account? Well, worry no more because in this article I will take you through the simple steps to get a Kuda Bank debit card and account number so you can start enjoying convenient banking services right in your palm. 

As someone who was tired of standing in long queues at physical bank branches only to be frustrated with inefficient customer service, I was eager to switch to a more modern digital banking option. That’s when I came across Kuda Bank – an app-only bank that allows you to open an account and receive a virtual debit card completely online within minutes. I was impressed by their seamless signup process and wondered if this could really work as smoothly as they claimed. So I decided to give it a try and in this article, I want to share my experience opening a Kuda Bank account so you too can start banking easily on the go.

Why Choose Kuda Bank?

Before getting into the steps, let me highlight some of the main benefits that make Kuda Bank a great choice for your banking needs:

No physical branches needed: As an all-digital bank, you can open an account and manage it entirely from their mobile app without ever having to step into a physical branch. This makes the account opening and usage process very convenient.

Fast signup process: Unlike traditional banks, Kuda Bank allows you to sign up for a basic savings account within minutes by simply providing your basic details on their app. No lengthy paperwork or long wait times.

Virtual debit card: Once your account is approved, you get a virtual Kuda debit card linked to your account that you can start using on any online payment platforms like Jumia, Konga etc for shopping. 

No account maintenance fees: Kuda Bank does not charge monthly or annual maintenance fees on their basic savings accounts making it a very affordable option.

Ease of funds transfer: You can easily transfer money to other bank accounts using just their account numbers or mobile money wallets like Paystack, Flutterwave etc. locally and internationally.

Hope this overview helps convince you about some standout benefits of choosing Kuda Bank. Now let’s get into the step-by-step guide.

How to Sign Up for a Kuda Bank Account

Step 1: Download the Kuda Bank mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store onto your smartphone. 

Step 2: Open the app and tap on ‘Sign Up’ to begin the registration process.

Step 3: Enter your basic details like full name, phone number, email and choose a strong password. 

Step 4: Review and accept Kuda Bank’s terms and conditions before proceeding. 

Step 5: Submit your details and the app will send an OTP (One-Time Password) code to your registered phone number for verification. 

Step 6: Enter the received OTP code to verify your phone number.

Step 7: Take a selfie following the app’s instructions for facial recognition verification. 

Step 8: Provide your BVN (Bank Verification Number) for identification. 

Step 9: Your registration will now be reviewed and if approved, your Kuda Bank account will be instantly opened with a virtual debit card.

That’s it! Opening a basic savings account takes only a few minutes once you have all the required details ready. Kuda Bank keeps the process very simple and streamlined without any lengthy documentation.

How to Get Your Kuda Bank Account Number 

Now that your account is opened, here are the steps to get your account number:

Step 1: Log into your Kuda Bank account from the app using your registered login details.

Step 2: Tap on the menu icon on the top left corner. 

Step 3: Select ‘Account Details’ from the menu options. 

Step 4: Your 16-digit Kuda Bank account number will be displayed under the ‘Account Number’ field. 

Step 5: You can save or note down this number securely for making deposits or receiving funds into your account.

Your account number acts as your identifier for all banking transactions specifically funds transfer to and from your Kuda Bank account. Ensure you keep it confidential as you would your ATM PIN.

How to Order Your Kuda Bank Debit Card

While you can start using your virtual Kuda Bank debit card on digital platforms, here are the steps to order your physical debit card: 

Step 1: On the Kuda Bank app homepage, tap on the three-line icon at the top-left. 

Step 2: Select ‘Cards’ from the side menu. 

Step 3: Choose the option to ‘Order Physical Card’ and enter your delivery details like full name and address. 

Step 4: Select your preferred delivery option whether standard or express and pay the applicable card delivery fee.  

Step 5: Submit your order and your physical Kuda Bank debit card will be delivered within 4-7 working days to the provided address.

Once received, you can start using it to make in-store payments, cash withdrawals at ATMs along with all other card payment features. Always keep your card safe and notify Kuda Bank immediately in case of loss or theft.

How to Make Your First Deposit

Now that you have your Kuda Bank virtual or physical debit card, here is how to deposit funds into your new account:

Step 1: Go to the ‘Transfer’ section on the Kuda Bank app.

Step 2: Select ‘Deposit Funds’ and choose from the available deposit options – bank transfer, USSD codes, payment outlets etc. 

Step 3: For bank transfers, provide your Kuda Bank account details to the transferring bank and make the deposit. 

Step 4: You can also use popular USSD codes like 94516digitaccountnumber to transfer from any bank. 

Step 5: Select payment channels like Flutterwave, Paystack, Remita to deposit online. 

Step 6: Funds will reflect in your Kuda Bank account instantly once the deposit is successful.

Step 7: You can now start using the deposited funds for your shopping, bills payment and other financial needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, opening and managing a Kuda Bank account provides Nigerians with a seamless digital banking experience through their well-designed mobile app. The instant account opening, virtual debit card, free fund transfers and overall ease of use makes Kuda Bank a simple and convenient banking option for individuals and merchants alike. 

I would highly recommend giving Kuda Bank a try if you want a tech-friendly alternative to traditional banking or to complement your existing accounts. Go ahead, download the app now and get started with your new mobile-first bank account in Nigeria.

Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions in the comments section below. I’ll be happy to assist further.

FAQs

How can I get my 16 digit card number without my card?

To retrieve your 16-digit card number without your physical card, you can check your billing statement, online banking portal, digital wallet, web browser autofill, or contact customer service for assistance. These methods often provide access to your card number without needing the physical card.

Getting an Opay ATM card, debit card, and account number can enable you to easily access and manage your finances on the go. As someone who is always travelling for work, I was looking for a convenient way to withdraw cash, make payments, and transfer funds without having to carry too much cash or rely only on my primary bank account. 

That’s when I came across Opay and decided to sign up. In this detailed guide, I will explain the complete step-by-step process of getting an Opay account, ATM card, and debit card so you can start enjoying the benefits of their digital banking services.

How to Set Up Your Opay Account

To get started with Opay, you need to first create an account. Here are the quick and simple steps to do so:

Step 1: Download the Opay App

The first thing you need to do is download the Opay mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store onto your Android or iOS device.

Step 2: Register for a New Account  

Once the app is installed, open it and tap on “Register” to begin the registration process. Enter your phone number and set a password to create your Opay account. 

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

You will then need to verify your identity by providing your valid ID details like your name, date of birth, etc. for security purposes. Opay will verify this information against government records.

Step 4: Add Basic Details

Next, add some basic details like your address, job details, etc. to complete your account profile. You can also upload a selfie for added verification later on.

How to Apply for an Opay ATM Card

Now that your Opay digital wallet account is set up, here are the steps to request an Opay virtual and physical ATM card

Step 1: Go to ‘Cards’ Section  

Open the Opay app and tap on the ‘Cards’ section on the home screen. 

Step 2: Select ‘Apply for ATM Card’

Look for the ‘Apply for ATM Card’ option and tap on it to initiate the application process. 

Step 3: Enter CKYC Details

You will be asked to provide your key identification details like your PAN number and Aadhaar number for Central KYC verification. 

 Step 4: Choose Card Type

Select whether you want a virtual or physical Opay ATM card. A virtual card lets you do online transactions right away!

 Step 5: Activate & Use Card

Your virtual card will be activated instantly for use. The physical card takes 7-10 days to deliver at the registered address.

How to Apply for an Opay Debit Card 

Step 1: Go to ‘Cards’ Section   

Just like for the ATM card, go to the ‘Cards’ section in the Opay app.

Step 2: Select ‘Apply for Debit Card’ 

Look for and tap on the ‘Apply for Debit Card’ option.

Step 3: Enter Details

Enter your basic details such as name, date of birth, email, etc. 

Step 4: Pay Issuance Fee

Pay a fee of Rs. 100-150 via various payment modes for debit card issuance.

Step 5: Verify Details 

Verify all the details you entered are correct before proceeding forward.

Step 6: Choose Card Type

Select whether you want a regular or premium Opay debit card. The debit card will be dispatched within 7-10 working days. Track it from the app.

How to Link Your Bank Account 

Step 1: Select ‘Link Bank Account’

Go to the ‘Profile’ section and tap on ‘Link Bank Account’.

Step 2: Verify Your Bank 

Select your bank from the list of supported banks.Enter the IFSC code and account number.

 Step 3: Initiate Verification

Opay will initiate a two-step verification process with your bank to link the account. 

Step 4: Deposit Verification Amount

Your bank will deposit a small amount for verification. Enter the amount on Opay.

Step 5: Account Linked Successfully

Once verified, your bank account will be successfully linked to your Opay wallet.

Now you can start using your Opay ATM card to withdraw and deposit cash from ATMs as well as make payments at stores:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I retrieve my OPay account?

To retrieve your OPay account registration number if you have lost it but still have access to the associated email address, follow these steps:

• Contact Opay support through their official channels, such as their website or customer service hotline. Inform them about your situation and provide your email address.
• Opay may ask you to provide additional information to verify your identity and account ownership, such as your full name, phone number, and other details associated with your account.
• Follow Opay’s instructions on retrieving your OTP (One-Time Password) using your email address.

If you have upgraded your account to Tier 3, you can request an affidavit stating that you are the owner of the lost SIM card and wish for Opay to transfer the funds to a new account. Send the affidavit through your verified email to ng-internalcontrol@opay-inc.com, ng-antifraud@opay-inc.com,customerservice@opay-inc.com, or ng-support@opay-inc.com.

How do I check my OPAY account balance? 

Go to the ‘Accounts’ section in the Opay app to view your current balance across all linked bank accounts and wallets.

 How do I report a lost Opay card?

If your card is lost or stolen, login to your Opay account > Cards > Report Lost/Block Card. Opay will immediately block the card to prevent misuse.  

Conclusion

I hope this detailed step-by-step guide helped explain how you can easily obtain an Opay ATM card, debit card as well as link your bank account with the digital wallet account for securely conducting financial transactions on the go. Opay provides a seamless and user-friendly platform for cashless payments and money transfers. Do let me know if you have any other questions!

When I was a younger man just starting out in the world, I made some poor financial decisions that led to me getting blacklisted by the credit bureaus. At the time, I was working a lower-paying job and had taken out some loans and credit cards that I struggled to keep up with the payments on. Before I knew it, I had fallen behind and my accounts were sent to collection agencies. It was a stressful time and I felt like I had no way out of the deep hole I had dug myself into.

What a Credit Bureau Blacklist Means

So what exactly does it mean to be blacklisted by the credit bureaus in Nigeria? The three major credit bureaus – CRC Credit Bureau Limited, Credit Registry Services Limited (CRSL), and NIBSS Credit Bureau Limited – collect data on people’s borrowing and repayment histories and issues them credit reports and credit scores. When you default on a loan or other credit agreement, negative marks are placed on your credit report. 

If too many negative marks accumulate, or if you have a history of not paying debts, the credit bureaus will blacklist you. Being blacklisted means future lenders can see that you are a high credit risk, and it becomes virtually impossible to secure new loans, mortgages, or credit cards. Your BVN (Bank Verification Number) is associated with your credit report, so being blacklisted also makes it difficult to open new bank accounts.

It took me a while to understand the full consequences of being blacklisted, but once I did, I knew I had to take action to resolve it as soon as possible. I wanted to be able to access credit again someday if necessary and to rebuild my financial future. So I started doing research online on how the credit bureau blacklisting process works in Nigeria and what steps someone needs to go through to get their name removed.

How to Remove Your BVN From Credit Bureau Blacklist in Nigeria  

From what I read, the first step is to gather all the necessary documents. You will need

• Your valid ID card (national ID card, driver’s license, international passport)
• Recent utility bill as proof of current address 
• Proof of repayment/settlement letters from all previous lenders you defaulted on
• A letter requesting credit report review and blacklist removal 

I contacted all the lenders I had defaulted with to request proof of settlement or repayment letters. This involved negotiating payments in some cases to resolve the outstanding debts.

Submitting Your Credit Report Review Request

Once you have all the required documents compiled, you need to submit a credit report review request directly to the credit bureaus. Each bureau has its own process:

For CRC, submit documents to their head office in Lagos or any branch

For CRSL, submit online via their website or by post/courier  

For NIBSS Credit Bureau, submit online or to their office

In the letter, you need to politely and sincerely ask them to review your credit report due to the issues being resolved and remove your name from the blacklist. You’ll need to pay the applicable credit report review fees.

After submitting your request, you enter a waiting period where the credit bureau will review your credit report and verify all the documentation received. This process can take 4-6 weeks. It’s an anxious time as you wait to see if they will agree to remove the negative history and take you off the blacklist.

 There are a few possible outcomes once the credit bureau has finished reviewing your request:

 Blacklist removal approved: If they are satisfied all issues have been resolved, they will update your credit report and remove the blacklisting.

Request denied: If settlement letters are insufficient or other issues remain, they may deny the request. You’d need to address outstanding items.

Request pending: They may need more time or information. Follow up respectfully for updates. 

Partial removal: Some but not all negative history removed depending on individual lender response.

The goal is to get full blacklisting removal, but even partial improves your credit standing. Keep all documentation of the process.

In my case, it took several weeks of back-and-forth before I had secured all the necessary repayment proof letters. But once I submitted my complete request package, the waiting period was the hardest – wondering if it had worked. 

Thankfully, after a month, I received notice that CRC had approved my request and removed me from their blacklist! Seeing that updated credit report was such a relief.

Conclusion

As frustrating as the experience was, going through the blacklist removal process was worth it to get my financial future back on track. I hope sharing my journey provides helpful guidance for others in navigating the Nigerian credit bureaus. With effort and perseverance, you can resolve issues on your report over time.

When I first started my journey as an online entrepreneur in Nigeria a few years ago, I was struggling to find a reliable source of online income. Having worked regular 9-5 jobs, I wanted more freedom and flexibility. That’s when I came across the concept of affiliate marketing. As someone based in Nigeria, I was curious – could affiliate marketing really work here and help me generate a stable online income? That marked the beginning of my research into the best paying affiliate programs in Nigeria. 

In this article, I’ll share my learnings and experience of promoting different affiliate programs in Nigeria over the years, along with the top performing networks and merchants. I’ll outline specific steps you can take to get started with affiliate marketing in Nigeria and make money. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how this model works as well as actionable strategies to build your own successful affiliate business.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where an affiliate partner promotes products or services of merchants and earns a commission for every verifiable sale, registration, or action generated from their unique affiliate links. 

Affiliate networks serve as intermediaries between merchants (also known as advertisers) and affiliates to track commission-able clicks, orders, registrations, or actions from referring web properties. 

Some key aspects of affiliate marketing include:

• Affiliates promote products/services owned by merchants and get paid based on commissions for generating sales or approved actions. 
• Affiliate networks host affiliate programs and track clicks, sales, leads and other metrics for payment of commissions. 
• Affiliates can join multiple affiliate programs from different merchants in related or unrelated categories. 
• Commission rates vary by program but are usually a percentage of the sale amount or a fixed fee per action/lead.
• Affiliate promotions can be done via websites, emails, social media, forums and other online properties owned by the affiliate.

Benefits of Getting Into Affiliate Marketing in Nigeria

There are several benefits that make affiliate marketing a viable choice for online entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Some of the key pros include:

No upfront costs: Unlike other online business models, affiliates don’t have to develop or hold inventory, pay for manufacturing, or cover other significant startup costs. The only requirement is a means to promote programs online.

Flexible schedule: Affiliate marketing allows you to build an online income working on your own schedule from anywhere. You aren’t tied down to regular working hours. 

Revenue streams: Successful affiliates can earn income from multiple merchants and programs. 

Growing industry: Affiliate marketing is a thriving global industry. As internet and ecommerce adoption accelerates in Nigeria, this field will experience more growth in the coming years.

Low risk: Affiliates don’t have to invest heavily or take on financial risks. The costs are just your time until the business becomes profitable.

For these reasons, affiliate marketing presents a very viable option to earn stable online income in Nigeria. Let’s explore the top programs further.

Best Affiliate Networks to Join in Nigeria

The largest and most popular affiliate networks in Nigeria include:

Clickbank

Clickbank is one of the oldest and biggest affiliate networks globally. It hosts thousands of digital products in categories like health, business, relationships etc. Standard commission rates are 50% with potential to earn up to 75%. They also provide tracking, optimization tools and payouts every 14 days which is ideal for African affiliates. 

Amazon Associates 

Amazonaffiliate program opens up the massive inventory of Amazon including books, consumer electronics, clothing and more. Standard commission rates are 4-10% with potential to earn repeats on customer purchases. Tracking and payouts are automated throughAmazon. Sub-Saharan African affiliates have been paid reliably for years. 

CJ Affiliate by Conversant 

Formerly Commission Junction, CJ is well suited for Nigerian affiliates promoting physical products. They have good merchant coverage across categories like fashion, consumer electronics, sports and more. Standard commission rates are 30-50% with payouts processed every month. Their affiliate tools are feature-rich.

Rakuten Marketing (LinkShare)  

Rakuten offers access to brands across retail, travel, digital products and more. Commission rates average 10-15%. They provide tracking, custom links, reporting and analysis to help optimize campaigns. Affiliate support and cross-border payments are reliable on this network. 

ShareASale 

ShareASale opens access to thousands of international and homegrown merchants for Nigerian affiliates. They track sales of physical products ordered both within and outside Nigeria. Payouts are processed monthly with options suited for African countries. Commission rates range from 30-50% typically.

These are globally accessible networks with a strong Nigerian affiliate community. Carefully researching programs on them will lead to finding quality, high paying offers locally too.

Tactics to Succeed with Affiliate Marketing in Nigeria 

Now that the key foundations are clear, here are some effective strategies to actually make money from affiliate marketing within Nigeria:

Choose Programs Wisely

Do extensive research on high paying programs with proven sales performance in your niche before promoting. Track affiliate reviews to spot commissions, approval rates and payment speed. 

Build Niche Websites or Blogs 

Focus your affiliate business around dedicated niche websites or blogs that attract quality traffic. Ranking high quality content is crucial for regular organic traffic and conversions over time. 

Leverage Social Media 

Leverage major social media platforms actively by posting engaging affiliate content and developing a following to market approved affiliate links to as they remain an important sales and traffic driver.

Develop Email List 

Building an opt-in email list is important to promote affiliate offers through regular customized email newsletters to past visitors and subscribers for repeat purchases. 

Create attractive, optimized product landing pages for your top affiliate offers with clear calls to action, high quality content and social proof to boost conversions from your referrals. 

Be Patient & Consistent 

Building a profitable affiliate business takes time, effort and consistency. Stick to a regular posting routine, test new campaigns and keep optimizing websites, ads, landing pages and more based on data to realize steady long term earnings.

Combining the tactical steps above with dedication, discipline and analytics-driven

Conclusion 

Thanks for reading to the very end. I hope this article has helped you to choose the best Affiliate marketing company to get started with. With time, you will earn 6 figures income from Affilliate marketing.