How to apply for FG’s laptops, smartphones loan

The Federal Government has opened applications for its Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D.) Programme, enabling Nigerians to purchase laptops, smartphones and tablets through affordable credit.

The scheme, implemented by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, allows eligible applicants to pay for digital devices in instalments instead of making full upfront payments.

The programme, launched on Tuesday in Abuja, will initially prioritise locally assembled laptops as part of efforts to support local manufacturing.

How to apply

Interested applicants can apply by following these steps:

• Visit the C.L.I.C.K.D. application portal at credicorp.ng/clickd.
• Click the “I’m Interested” button to access the application form.
• Select your state of residence.
• Choose your employment status, including salary earner, freelancer, business owner, student, job seeker or NYSC member.
• Provide your monthly income (optional).
• Indicate whether you belong to a digital talent programme such as 3MTT, Andela Learning Community, Learn2Earn, ALX Africa, HNG Internship, AltSchool Africa, Genesys Tech Hub or select “Other.”
• Choose the device you want to purchase, including a laptop, smartphone, tablet or another digital device.
• State why you need the device, such as for education, remote work, freelancing, software development, business, content creation or other purposes.
• Indicate how you heard about the programme.
• Confirm that the information provided is accurate, agree to be contacted and consent to CREDICORP using your information to assess your eligibility.
• Submit the application.

The current phase of the programme is a 1,000-laptop pilot targeted primarily at fellows of the Federal Government’s Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme.

According to CREDICORP Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Uzoma Nwagba, the rollout began in Abuja, where 77 beneficiaries have already received laptops, while the remaining devices will be distributed to qualified beneficiaries across other states in phases.

Although the application portal also lists participants of programmes such as Andela Learning Community, Learn2Earn, ALX Africa, HNG Internship, AltSchool Africa and Genesys Tech Hub, CREDICORP has yet to confirm whether they will benefit from the current pilot phase.

The agency has also not announced the loan’s interest rate, repayment period or down-payment requirements.