Good Time: Wema Bank Rolls Out Loan Plans To Support SMEs, Schools

Wema Bank PLC has reemphasised its support for individual customers and business owners that it will be extending the tenure of loans to aids the effects of the COVID-19.

At its recently held Annual General Meeting, Wema Bank showed concern on the effects of the deadly coronavirus pandemic on businesses and individuals around the world continues, therefore, reiterating on its supports through loan extension.

Brandnewsday reports that the bank announced an impressive growth in Customer Loans and Advances by 15% y-on-y to N289.61bn from N252.19bn in Q4 2018.

Head of Credit Risk Management, Wema Bank Plc. Mr Uchenna Obazeh said: “This superlative performance gives us good ground to provide extended loan support to businesses and individuals during this period”,

According to Obazeh, the extension of school loans have been approved for one academic term (4 months). For businesses, he added that business support loans have been approved for 90 days (3 months) in order to enhance the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Speaking further, Obazeh confirmed that the loan extension was also being considered for other sectors, and approvals are being sought from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in line with the impact of the pandemic over some specific sectors as well as the likely rates of recovery.

“For businesses, this is not a time to run from the Banks. Business owners need to sit with their bankers, assess the potential impact on their businesses and align repayment obligations with their projected cash flows,” he advised.

Speaking further, Obazeh added that given the uncertainty surrounding when vaccines will be found, some businesses may have to alter their business models to become more adaptable. He enthused that well-analyzed credits availed under realistic terms will continue to succeed as the CBN is encouraging continued availability of credits to eligible businesses even in these times.

He said: “it will not be as significant as it would have been without the palliative measures and intervention funds made available by the CBN, as well as Banks working closely with their customers.

“We advise businesses reappraise their operating models first, assess the impact and come up with realistic projected cash flows first. Obtaining a loan should not be the first thing. A loan will help a business increase supply. It, however, has to assess demand, as well”.

How Wema Bank helps Businesses?

Meanwhile, Obazeh revealed how the bank is helping businesses on its credit list to grow to fulfil its financial commitments. He reiterated that Wema bank is providing advisory services in addition to making the loans available.