Credit Score Awareness Tool for Nigeria

Credit scoring in Nigeria had long been underrated. As digital lending and BNPL services expanded, businesses struggled to recover funds because many applicants simply weren’t qualified for credit. Businesses who tried to screen properly still communicated poorly, rejecting applications with unclear messages like “poor credit score”. This left applicants confused about why they couldn’t access loans of any form, unaware that their low or non-existent credit score was the reason.

To validate the concept, we launched a lightweight web prototype and showcased it at the Tendar Stand, at the Zenith Tech Fair 3.0. The exhibition gave us direct access to real users, and our usability observation revealed a key insight:

This insight shaped our product direction. We redesigned the experience into a simple, mobile-first tool that allows users to instantly view their credit score on their phones. The interface highlights the essential components that influence the score, giving users a high-level overview without overwhelming them.

For users who need deeper clarity, we introduced a detailed credit report that breaks down all contributing factors and activities in a clear, human-readable format.

Beyond providing the score itself, we added continuous educational features that sensitise users on:

The impact of their credit score on everyday financial decisions

The long-term benefits of maintaining a healthy score

Platforms and opportunities such as Oja, where a strong score can unlock better financial access

This strategic shift allowed us not only to inform users but to empower them with actionable financial literacy directly within the product experience.

With zero marketing, the app quickly attracted 900+ active users, many of whom upgrade for detailed credit insights.

By promoting credit awareness, we helped Nigerians borrow responsibly and avoid defaults.

Lending partners, including Tendar’s partners and other loan providers, benefit from our platform by accessing only high-credit applicants, improving approval accuracy and reducing risk.