BAFF Guides

How to Get a Business Loan in Nigeria (2026)

Learn how to get a BAFF business loan up to ₦10M in Nigeria: who qualifies, documents needed, approval timeline, rates, and how business loans differ from personal loans.

Updated 2026-09-01

What is a business loan in Nigeria?

A business loan is credit designed for traders, shop owners, and small businesses—not personal expenses like rent or school fees. You use it to buy inventory, cover payroll, expand a stall, or meet customer demand when sales are growing faster than your cash on hand.

BAFF Business Loans offer up to ₦10,000,000 with competitive rates starting from 4% and flexible repayment plans that fit how Nigerian SMEs actually earn.

Who can get a BAFF business loan?

  • Market women and men, shop owners, food vendors, boutique owners, wholesalers, retailers, and other small business operators
  • Businesses that need working capital to restock or expand—not one-off personal bills
  • BAFF users with a Tier 3 verified account and a consistent transaction history
  • Applicants with a valid government ID and an active bank account linked to BAFF

Business loan vs personal loan: which do you need?

  • Choose a business loan if you are funding inventory, equipment, expansion, or day-to-day operations for a shop or SME. BAFF business loans go up to ₦10M and are built for traders and entrepreneurs.
  • Choose a personal loan if you need ₦10,000 or more for rent, school fees, emergencies, or other individual expenses. Personal loans are not meant for shop restocking or business growth.
  • Applying for the wrong product can slow approval. If you are unsure, read our personal loan guide or compare both pages before you apply.

What you need before you apply

The BAFF mobile app (iOS or Android)

A Tier 3 BAFF account with completed identity verification

Valid government-issued ID (NIN, passport, or driver’s licence)

An active bank account linked to your BAFF profile

A clear business purpose: restocking, expansion, working capital, or similar

Step-by-step: how to get a business loan on BAFF

  • Download the BAFF app and create your account if you have not already.
  • Complete verification and upgrade to Tier 3 in the app.
  • Open the Business Loan section and start your application.
  • Enter your business details, loan amount, and how you plan to use the funds.
  • Review your interest rate and repayment schedule before you accept.
  • Receive funds in your BAFF wallet after approval—often within minutes for eligible applicants.

How much can you borrow—and how fast is approval?

BAFF business loans go up to ₦10,000,000 depending on your business profile, repayment history, and loan purpose. Your exact offer is shown in the app before you accept.

Most eligible applications receive a decision in minutes. Once approved, disbursement is fast so you can restock or invest without waiting weeks for traditional bank paperwork.

Interest rates and repayment

Rates start from 4% and depend on your profile and loan size. You will see your exact rate in the app before accepting any offer—no hidden fees.

Repayment plans are flexible and designed around SME cash flow. You can repay from your BAFF wallet on scheduled due dates, and early repayment is allowed with no prepayment penalty.

Is BAFF a licensed lender?

Yes. BAFF is licensed as a lender by the FCCPC and the Lagos State Government, so you can access business credit through a regulated financial partner.

Ready to apply for a business loan?

Apply in the BAFF app for up to ₦10M to restock inventory, expand your shop, and grow your business.

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