ABUJA: The Federal Government has introduced a new consumer credit initiative designed to make domestic air travel more accessible to Nigerians by allowing passengers to pay for flight tickets in instalments.
The programme, tagged Fly Now, Pay Later, was announced on Tuesday by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), which said the scheme will enable eligible travellers to book local flights immediately and spread the payment over a period of time through structured financing.
According to the corporation, the initiative is aimed at removing the upfront financial burden that often prevents many Nigerians from making urgent or important trips within the country.
In a statement shared on its official social media platform, CREDICORP explained that the programme would help citizens access domestic travel services without having to pay the full fare 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 agency stated.
The credit solution is being implemented through partnerships with travel technology platform MyVisaro and Alert Microfinance Bank.
Under the arrangement, Nigerians who meet the eligibility requirements can apply online and secure flight tickets through a credit arrangement facilitated by the partners.
Interested individuals are required to visit the travel platform’s website, Visaro.com, where they can select and book flights to any destination within Nigeria while choosing the flexible repayment option.
CREDICORP said the collaboration forms part of its broader strategy to expand access to responsible consumer credit across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
At CREDICORP, we remain committed to expanding responsible consumer credit and enabling Nigerians live better now, including flying locally.
Fly now. Pay later. Opportunity shouldn’t wait, the corporation added.
Officials say the scheme aligns with the corporation’s mandate to promote financial inclusion by providing innovative credit solutions that help citizens access essential services.
The initiative is expected to particularly benefit small business owners, professionals, and families who frequently travel within Nigeria but are often constrained by the high cost of airfare.
By allowing travellers to spread payments over time, the programme could help stimulate domestic travel and support Nigeria’s aviation sector
The launch of the credit scheme comes amid rising concerns over the increasing cost of domestic flight tickets in Nigeria.
Airlines have repeatedly cited factors such as the soaring price of aviation fuel, foreign exchange challenges, and high operational costs as reasons for the sharp increase in ticket prices.
During the 2025 Yuletide season, for instance, one-way fares on some local routes reportedly surged by about 150 per cent, with ticket prices exceeding ₦300,000 on several routes.
The rising cost has placed air travel beyond the reach of many Nigerians who rely on flights for business trips, emergencies, and family engagements.
Industry observers believe initiatives such as the Fly Now, Pay Later scheme could help ease the financial burden on travelers while sustaining passenger traffic for airlines.
The credit initiative also forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to deepen access to consumer credit in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation was established to expand responsible lending to individuals, allowing them to access goods and services while paying over time.
Experts say improving access to structured consumer credit could stimulate economic activity by increasing purchasing power and enabling more Nigerians to participate in formal financial systems.
With the introduction of the new scheme, the government hopes more Nigerians will be able to travel conveniently across the country without being hindered by the high upfront cost of flight tickets.
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