FG Introduces "Fly Now, Pay Later" Scheme to Make Air Travel Affordable to Ordinary Nigerians
The Federal Government has rolled out a groundbreaking consumer credit initiative known as the "Fly Now, Pay Later" scheme, designed specifically to make domestic flights more accessible and affordable for Nigerians across the country. This innovative program allows eligible individuals to book local flights immediately and spread their payments over a predetermined period through structured financing arrangements.
Program Details and Implementation Partners
The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation officially announced this development through its X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. According to the agency, the program aims to eliminate the upfront financial barrier that often prevents people from taking urgent or important trips within Nigeria.
"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," stated the official announcement.
CREDICORP revealed that the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with strategic partners MyVisaro and Alert Microfinance Bank. This partnership forms part of broader efforts to promote responsible consumer credit access throughout Nigeria. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Visaro platform online, where they can select and book flights to destinations across Nigeria under the new payment structure.
Addressing Rising Airfare Challenges
The introduction of this scheme comes at a critical time when domestic air travel costs have surged dramatically across Nigeria. Multiple factors have contributed to this price escalation, making it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to afford flights despite growing demand for national connectivity.
During the 2025 festive season, ticket prices on certain local routes reportedly jumped by as much as 150%, with one-way fares climbing above N300,000 on some popular routes. Airlines have consistently linked these sharp price increases to several challenging factors:
- The persistently high cost of aviation fuel
- Ongoing foreign exchange constraints
- Escalating operational expenses
- Global crude oil price fluctuations affecting fuel costs
The corporation reiterated its commitment to improving Nigerians' quality of life through innovative financial solutions, noting that this program supports its wider goal of boosting financial inclusion and access to essential services. The initiative represents a significant expansion of Nigeria's Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) market, which has been growing rapidly by offering flexible payment options for various consumer purchases.
Broader Context and Related Developments
This aviation-focused credit scheme emerges alongside other recent developments in Nigeria's transportation sector. President Bola Tinubu recently ordered the suspension of FAAN's new cashless payment system at airport toll gates, which had been introduced on March 1, 2026. The initial implementation caused significant traffic congestion, with reports indicating that some passengers missed their flights as a result.
Authorities have indicated plans to redesign the system in collaboration with private sector partners to ensure smoother electronic payment processing at airport facilities. These combined efforts reflect ongoing government initiatives to improve transportation infrastructure and accessibility for Nigerian citizens.
The "Fly Now, Pay Later" scheme represents a practical response to the economic challenges facing air travelers, providing a structured financial solution that could potentially transform how Nigerians approach domestic travel planning and expenditure.
