According to some participants interviewed by SME Digest, after going through a three month rigorous online training and another one week intensive in-class training, the Bank of Industry has presented loan conditions which will make it difficult for beneficiaries to access the loan.
The YES-P participants according to the loan terms by BoI, will have to remit two certificates including their degree certificates all through the loan term as a collateral security.
Another hurdle is the provision of a loan guarantor who will have to declare his/her net worth and bank statements to the bank. The categories of individuals who can sign as guarantor are senior civil servants, doctors, lawyers, professionals. According to participants, getting these individuals to guarantee a loan of 5 million naira in this time of recession is an almost impossible task.
The loan also comes with a 9% interest rate that must be paid within a term of 3 – 5 years.
Most of the would be beneficiaries of the scheme are already pulling out as a result of their inability to provide loan guarantors. According to sources in the bank, very few participants, which amounts to less than 5% have been able to meet the loan conditions.
Some of the participants also complained that the bank will mainly support their business through direct purchase of equipment and other capital assets while releasing only a maximum of 50% of the fund as working capital. According to sources, this arrangement only favors the agricultural sector more than those investing in ICT, intellectual properties and those whose business is service oriented.
The YES Programme is an initiative of the federal government and the Bank of Industry to tackling unemployment in the country which is expected to generate 36,000 jobs for the nation. The YES Programme is also part of the federal government’s drive and wealth creation programme which is aimed at addressing the malaise of youth unemployment.
The programme is targeted at young aspiring entrepreneurs within the age range of 18-35 years, who have a minimum educational qualification of Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or its equivalents.
Considering the hurdles standing in the way of these entrepreneurs, it is highly unlikely that the objective of this programme will be accomplished except the federal government steps in and help advice the bank of industry to soften the loan conditions.
What is your take on on this? Drop your comment below.
We would be happy if Government does something about the conditions and help the youth. The program was indeed impactful I must confess such even if I chose not to apply for the loan I already have at my disposal what it takes to start my business and move it to a great level.