The Federal Government has introduced a new credit scheme known as “Fly Now, Pay Later” to make domestic air travel more accessible and affordable for Nigerians.
The initiative was announced on Tuesday by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, which said the programme would allow eligible Nigerians to book flights within the country and pay for them over time instead of making full payment upfront.
According to the agency, the scheme is designed to reduce the financial pressure many Nigerians face when trying to travel by air. In recent years, the cost of domestic flights has increased significantly, making it difficult for average citizens to afford tickets, especially for urgent or important trips.
In a statement shared on its official social media platform, CREDICORP explained that the product would provide structured financing options for travellers. This means customers can spread the cost of their tickets over a period of time, rather than paying the full amount at once.
“Through this initiative, eligible customers can book domestic flights today and repay the cost over time through structured financing, removing the upfront barrier that often delays important trips,” the statement said.
The scheme is being implemented in partnership with MyVisaro and Alert Microfinance Bank. These partners are expected to provide the technical platform and financial support needed to run the program effectively.
To access the service, interested individuals are required to visit the Visaro website and book flights to any destination within Nigeria. However, only customers who meet certain eligibility criteria will be able to benefit from the credit arrangement. Details of these requirements were not fully disclosed but are expected to include basic financial checks.
CREDICORP stated that the initiative is part of its broader goal to expand access to consumer credit in Nigeria. The agency was set up to help Nigerians access financing for essential services and improve their quality of life through responsible lending.
Financial inclusion has remained a key focus for the Federal Government in recent years. Many Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, have limited access to credit facilities from traditional banks. Programmes like this are seen as a way to bridge that gap and support economic participation.
Air travel plays an important role in Nigeria’s economy, given the country’s large size and the need for quick movement between major cities. For business owners, government officials, and professionals, flying is often the most practical way to meet deadlines and manage responsibilities across different locations.
However, the rising cost of aviation fuel, inflation, and other operational challenges have pushed up ticket prices. This has made air travel less affordable for many Nigerians, even as demand for domestic flights continues to grow.
CREDICORP has also highlighted responsible lending as a key part of the program. The agency said it is committed to ensuring that credit is provided in a way that is sustainable and beneficial to users.
The launch of the scheme comes at a time when the government is exploring new ways to support citizens facing economic challenges. With rising living costs affecting many households, flexible payment options are increasingly being seen as a practical solution.
For frequent travellers, the scheme could offer much-needed convenience. It allows individuals to take advantage of travel opportunities without waiting until they have saved the full cost of a ticket. This could be particularly useful in emergencies, business trips, or family matters that require urgent travel.
The initiative may also benefit the aviation industry by boosting demand for domestic flights. Airlines could see increased bookings as more Nigerians take advantage of the flexible payment option.
Despite these potential benefits, the success of the programme will depend on effective implementation and public awareness. Many Nigerians are still unfamiliar with structured credit systems, and building trust will be key to encouraging participation.
CREDICORP has assured the public that it will continue to develop innovative solutions to improve access to essential services. The agency reiterated its commitment to helping Nigerians “live better now” by providing financial tools that support everyday needs.
As the “Fly Now, Pay Later” scheme begins, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how it performs and whether it can deliver on its promise of making air travel more accessible.
For now, the initiative represents a new approach to addressing one of the key challenges in Nigeria’s transport sector—affordability. If successful, it could open the door to similar credit-based solutions in other areas of the economy, further expanding opportunities for Nigerians.