FG unveils ‘fly now, pay later’ scheme to ease domestic air travel costs

The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a “fly now, pay later” initiative aimed at improving access to domestic air travel, as rising ticket prices continue to put pressure on Nigerian travellers.

The programme, launched through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, allows eligible passengers to book local flights and spread payments over time through structured financing. The initiative is designed to reduce the burden of upfront ticket costs, which often delay or prevent travel plans.

In a statement shared on X, CrediCorp said the scheme is being implemented in partnership with MyVisaro and Alert Microfinance Bank. Interested users are required to book flights via the Visaro platform, where the financing option is integrated into the booking process.

Under the scheme, eligible individuals are expected to make a 30% initial deposit, while the remaining balance is spread across three monthly instalments. This structure is intended to make air travel more financially accessible, especially for middle-income earners who may struggle with lump-sum payments.

Credit scheme targets affordability amid rising airfares

The initiative comes at a time when domestic airfare prices have surged significantly across Nigeria, driven by factors such as high aviation fuel costs, currency volatility, and broader inflationary pressures. These increases have forced many travellers to either delay trips or seek alternative modes of transportation.

CrediCorp said the programme aligns with its broader mandate to expand responsible consumer credit and improve financial inclusion across the country. “We remain committed to enabling Nigerians to live better now, including flying locally,” the corporation noted.

The scheme also reflects a growing trend of embedding credit solutions into everyday services, allowing consumers to access essential services without immediate full payment. Analysts say such models, if properly managed, could stimulate demand in sectors like aviation while also deepening Nigeria’s consumer credit market.

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Broader push for consumer credit expansion

The “fly now, pay later” programme is one of several initiatives rolled out by CrediCorp in recent months to widen access to credit across different segments of the population.

In December 2024, the corporation partnered with the National Automotive Design and Development Council to launch a ₦20 billion consumer credit fund aimed at supporting the purchase of locally assembled vehicles. It has also introduced YouthCred, a programme offering employed Nigerians aged 18 to 39 access to up to ₦5 million in credit.

Additionally, a pension-backed loan scheme was introduced in 2025 in collaboration with Leadway Trustees and Optimus Bank, targeting retirees seeking access to structured financing.

Together, these programmes signal a broader policy direction focused on improving access to credit as a tool for economic participation. The latest aviation-focused initiative extends that strategy into the travel sector, offering Nigerians a more flexible way to manage transportation costs.

As implementation begins, attention is likely to shift to eligibility criteria, repayment compliance, and the long-term sustainability of the model, particularly in a high-inflation environment. Still, the scheme marks a notable step toward integrating credit into everyday consumer experiences in Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape.