My name is Adebayo Oladele, and I'm a financial advisor based in Lagos, Nigeria. A few years ago, I was just like many of my fellow Nigerians – unaware of the importance of a good credit score and how it could impact my financial future. Today, I want to share my personal journey of improving my credit score and how it led me to better loan terms, hoping to inspire others to take control of their financial health.

When I first applied for a business loan to start my consultancy, I was shocked to be rejected due to my poor credit score. This experience was a wake-up call, pushing me to educate myself about credit scores and how they work in the Nigerian context. Let me take you through the steps I took to boost my credit score and secure better loan terms.

Step 1: Understand the Nigerian Credit System

The first thing I did was research how credit scoring works in Nigeria. I learned that the Credit Bureau Association of Nigeria (CBAN) oversees credit reporting, and there are several licensed credit bureaus, including CRC Credit Bureau and FirstCentral Credit Bureau.

These bureaus collect information from banks, microfinance institutions, and other lenders to create credit reports. Understanding this system was crucial for my journey towards financial literacy.

Step 2: Obtain Your Credit Report

Next, I obtained my credit report from multiple bureaus. In Nigeria, you're entitled to one free credit report per year from each bureau. I was surprised to find some errors in my report, including a loan I had already paid off still showing as outstanding.

Pro Tip: Always check your credit report from multiple bureaus, as information can vary.

Step 3: Dispute Any Errors

I immediately set about disputing the errors I found. I wrote to the credit bureaus, providing evidence of the loan repayment. It took a few weeks, but eventually, the errors were corrected, giving my credit score an instant boost.

Step 4: Pay Your Bills on Time

I realized that a significant factor affecting my credit score was late payments. I set up automatic payments for my bills and loan repayments to ensure I never missed a due date again. Within a few months, I saw a noticeable improvement in my score.

Step 5: Reduce Your Credit Utilization

I learned that credit utilization – the amount of credit you're using compared to your credit limit – plays a crucial role in your credit score. I was using about 80% of my available credit, which was negatively impacting my score.

I made a concerted effort to pay down my credit card balances and keep my utilization below 30%. This strategy had a significant positive impact on my credit score.

Step 6: Maintain a Mix of Credit Types

In Nigeria, having a mix of credit types can positively influence your credit score. I had only been using credit cards, so I took out a small personal loan and ensured I made timely payments. This diversification helped improve my credit profile.

Step 7: Avoid Multiple Loan Applications

I learned the hard way that each loan application results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score. I had made the mistake of applying to multiple banks when I was rejected for my first business loan.

Now, I advise my clients to space out their loan applications and only apply when they have a good chance of approval.

Step 8: Consider a Secured Credit Card

For those struggling to get approved for a regular credit card, I recommend starting with a secured credit card. These cards require a cash deposit, which becomes your credit limit. I helped my younger brother get started with a secured card, which allowed him to build his credit history from scratch.

Step 9: Be Patient and Consistent

Improving your credit score doesn't happen overnight. It took me about 18 months of consistent good financial habits to see a significant improvement in my score. Patience and persistence are key.

Step 10: Educate Yourself and Others

As my credit score improved and I successfully secured a business loan with favorable terms, I realized the importance of financial literacy. I started attending workshops and webinars on personal finance and credit management.

Eventually, I became so passionate about the subject that I decided to become a financial advisor myself, specializing in credit improvement strategies for Nigerian entrepreneurs.

The Results: Better Loan Terms and Financial Freedom

After two years of dedicated effort, my credit score had improved dramatically. When I applied for another business loan to expand my consultancy, I was not only approved but offered much better terms than I had initially anticipated.

The lower interest rate and longer repayment period I secured thanks to my improved credit score saved me millions of Naira over the life of the loan. This experience showed me firsthand the tangible benefits of a good credit score.

Conclusion: Empowering Nigerians Through Financial Literacy

Today, as a financial advisor, I'm passionate about helping other Nigerians understand and improve their credit scores. I've seen how this knowledge can transform lives, opening doors to better financial opportunities and terms.

Remember, your credit score is more than just a number – it's a reflection of your financial health and a key to your financial future. By taking control of your credit score, you're taking a significant step towards financial empowerment.

To my fellow Nigerians, I say this: Don't wait for a loan rejection to start caring about your credit score. Start today. Educate yourself, monitor your credit report regularly, and make financially responsible decisions. Your future self will thank you for it.

With determination, consistency, and the right knowledge, anyone can improve their credit score and access better financial opportunities. Here's to a more financially literate and empowered Nigeria!