According to a 2024 Deloitte report, over 70% of financial institutions globally cite fraud and credit risk as their top operational threats, while nearly 60% struggle with managing credit portfolio performance effectively. In Nigeria, recent NDIC data suggests that non-performing loans in the microfinance sector have hovered between 8–12%, largely due to weak risk controls and underdeveloped credit evaluation systems. These challenges underscore a fundamental truth: institutions that fail to invest in robust risk and credit management systems risk undermining their own sustainability.
In response, MLDC designated April 2025 as the month for safeguarding growth—a month dedicated to strengthening the sector’s backbone through training in fraud prevention, risk management, and credit portfolio performance. Our goal was simple: empower institutions to safeguard their growth with the right tools, insights, and frameworks.
April Training Highlights
Credit Portfolio Management and Performance – April 9–10
With 12 physical and 11 virtual participants drawn from over 15 microfinance banks nationwide, this program was designed to equip credit officers and portfolio managers with advanced tools to enhance loan performance and mitigate delinquency. Participants engaged with real-time credit risk assessment models, performance metrics analysis, and borrower segmentation strategies—all aimed at reducing portfolio risk and strengthening repayment structures. The hybrid format allowed greater reach and practical exchange of insights, making it a high-impact program that supports more resilient lending practices across the sector.
Fraud Management (In-Plant with ASHA MFB) – April 14
This customized in-house training for 14 staff members of ASHA Microfinance Bank focused on proactive fraud detection, internal controls, and anti-fraud culture building. Participants explored fraud typologies within microfinance settings, root causes of internal collusion, and red-flag identification mechanisms. The outcome was not only increased awareness but also the immediate adoption of new control procedures—demonstrating how targeted, in-context learning can drive operational integrity within institutions.
Risk Management for Microfinance Banks – April 28
With 21 participants across Nigeria attending virtually, this session focused on designing institution-wide risk management systems. The course emphasized regulatory compliance (CBN, NDIC), risk appetite frameworks, operational continuity, and reputational risk mitigation. Attendees left with actionable blueprints for assessing and integrating risk strategies, tailored to the realities of Nigeria’s inflation-prone and credit-volatile environment. For many, this program was a catalyst for institutionalizing risk governance as a board-level priority.
These programs were not just theoretical exercises; they were timely, strategic, and designed to strengthen key operational pillars within MFBs. The broader sectoral benefit lies in enabling more secure, efficient, and resilient financial services for millions of Nigerians who depend on microfinance institutions for economic empowerment.
Big News: Democratizing Learning and Bringing Innovation to the Sector
In April, MLDC embarked on a transformative collaboration with one of the world’s leading edutech companies to revolutionize professional development within the Nigerian financial and microfinance sector. This initiative, still under wraps but rapidly taking shape, aims to democratize learning through digital platforms that place control directly in the hands of professionals within the commercial and microfinance space. With a focus on employability, continuous learning, and scalable certification systems, this partnership will provide access to global-standard training from anywhere, anytime. For Nigeria’s microfinance sector, this means exponential growth in professional competence, organizational agility, and sector-wide innovation, driven by the fingertips of every microfinance employee.
We aim to continue to bring growth and rapid development through groundbreaking initiatives such as this and cannot wait to ship this brilliant initiative to the sector this quarter.
Stay informed by following our updates!
Upcoming Highlight: Board & Executive Program (BEP) 2.0
We are thrilled to announce the flagship event of Q2 — the Board and Executive Program (BEP) 2.0, scheduled to hold from April 21–23 at the prestigious Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos. This high-level training will convene board members, CEOs, and executive directors from leading MFBs across Nigeria to explore themes around governance, sustainability, innovation, and regulatory foresight. With an agenda packed with expert-led sessions, case studies, and strategy clinics, BEP 2.0 promises to shape the future of microfinance leadership in Nigeria.
Register now to enjoy amazing discounts: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/LLqegnDmRW
Stay connected to MLDC for more sector-leading programs and partnership opportunities. Visit www.mldc-ng.com or email training@mldc-ng.com to learn more.
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