By Ehiogie Glory
In a bold move to promote women’s economic empowerment through accessible credit, the Federal Government-backed Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has distributed tricycles to 40 women in Rivers State under its Queen Rider Programme.
The distribution ceremony, held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, is part of CREDICORP’s broader strategy to empower 3,700 women across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with credit-backed mobility solutions.
The Queen Rider Programme—executed in partnership with Gamma Mobility and GIGMILE—aims to enable women to become tricycle owners and operators, giving them the tools to generate independent income through flexible loan repayment plans.
Speaking at the rollout, CREDICORP’s Managing Director and CEO, Uzoma Nwagba, said the initiative forms part of the SCALE programme (Securing Consumer Access for Local Enterprises), which links credit-backed consumers to locally assembled products, including tricycles from Simba TVS. The company reportedly produces over 1,100 motorcycles and tricycles daily in Nigeria.
“This initiative is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for accessible consumer credit,” Nwagba stated. “His goal is for Nigerians to own homes, vehicles, and other essentials early in life—not wait till retirement. Whether you’re a civil servant, artisan, or entrepreneur, this programme is designed to improve your quality of life through credit.”
He advised beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity by using the tricycles to improve their livelihoods while maintaining consistent repayment to ensure the sustainability of the programme for others.
In addition to the Queen Rider scheme, Nwagba revealed that CREDICORP is also working on credit access for smartphones and laptops, enabling young Nigerians to actively participate in the digital economy.
Also speaking at the event, Sam Esiri, Co-founder of Gamma Mobility—the implementing partner for Queen Rider—said the programme is designed to ignite dignity, purpose, and prosperity for women nationwide.
“This is not just about giving out tricycles,” Esiri noted. “It’s a powerful declaration that Nigerian women deserve full access to the tools of economic empowerment. Through this programme, they will own their vehicles, control their incomes, and shape their futures.”
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Elizabeth John, expressed gratitude to CREDICORP and its partners, promising that she and other recipients would make the most of the opportunity.
The Queen Rider Programme continues to expand nationwide, reinforcing the government’s commitment to economic inclusion and local industrial growth through practical, credit-based solutions.