CBN Reports 45.8% Surge in Loan Debtors Using Assets

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) National Collateral Registry recorded a 45.8% increase in the number of debtors, rising from 6,988 in June 2025 to 10,192 in June 2026. This increase reflects a growing trend of individuals and businesses borrowing against movable assets.

Individuals represented the largest share of debtors, with their numbers increasing by 45.4%, from 5,889 to 8,560. Medium-sized business debtors rose to 789 from 505, while large business debtors increased to 484 from 388.

Small business debtors climbed to 265 from 157, and micro business debtors rose to 94 from 49. Microfinance banks were the dominant creditor category, accounting for 9,055 debtors in June 2026, a 41.6% increase from 6,395 a year earlier.

Debtors linked to deposit money banks rose to 405 from 125, while those associated with finance houses increased to 313 from 103. The National Collateral Registry serves as a centralized database for loans secured with movable assets, aiding access to credit for individuals and small businesses.