Trade Finance Services for SMEs in Nigeria
Trade Finance Services for SMEs in Nigeria
- * Importers of FMCG, machinery, pharma, fuel
- * Exporters of cocoa, sesame, cashew, rubber, manufactured goods
- * Contractors serving public and blue chip buyers
- * Distributors selling on terms to strong retailers
- * Need an LC now with payment 90–180 days later
- * Need bid, performance, and advance guarantees fast
- * Need cash against approved invoices today
- * Need customs bonds and warehousing to move cargo
- * Import LCs, UPAS 90–180 days, LC refinancing
- * LC confirmation and discounting for exporters
- * Invoice discounting and supply chain finance
- * Bid, performance, and advance payment guarantees
- * Customs and transit bonds, warehousing lines
- * FX forwards and risk cover through partner banks
Trade instruments at a glance
| Instrument | What it solves | Typical tenor | Controls and collateral |
|---|---|---|---|
| Import LC (sight, usance, UPAS) | Secures supply and shifts cash outflow to shipment or later | 30 to 180 days | Title over goods, insured routing, shipping docs under control, account sweeps |
| LC confirmation and discounting | Exporter gets cash on presentation instead of waiting | At presentation to 120 days | Confirmed bank risk, assignment of proceeds |
| Invoice discounting and SCF | Cash against approved invoices to strong buyers | 30 to 120 days | Receivable assignment, buyer notice, sweep controls |
| Bid, performance, and APG | Meets tender and contract security requirements | Tender period or contract tenor | Counter indemnity, cash margin or standby LC, optional insurance |
| Customs and warehousing bonds | Clears cargo and moves it to bonded storage without cash lock | Journey or storage linked | Bonding line, warehouse receipts with access terms |
Nigeria regulatory checklist we build into every file
- * Form M with bank validation and supporting documents
- * PAAR issuance and shipping timelines mapped
- * SONCAP and product certification where required
- * NAFDAC approvals for regulated categories
- * NEPC registration and NXP form raised correctly
- * LC, collection, or insured open account documented
- * Proceeds domiciliation and collection workflow agreed
- * Currency of settlement, forward cover, and spreads
- * Collection accounts, sweeps, and reserves sized to cycle
- * Duty, VAT, and port charges budgeted in cash flow
Typical terms in market
Imports sized to cargo value and import costs. Receivables lines sized to approved buyer limits and history. Tenors 30 to 180 days based on cycle, route, and compliance steps. Extensions priced upfront.
Floating base plus a spread that reflects goods, route, and controls. Upfront and exit fees transparent. Interest on drawn amounts only for revolving lines.
- * Use of proceeds limited to eligible trade costs
- * Minimum equity in first loss and stock controls where needed
- * Reporting on shipments, invoices, and hedging where price is open
Use case playbooks for Nigeria
Supplier is paid at sight while you repay in 120–180 days. Security over goods, delivery checks, and receivable sweeps on sale.
Form M and PAAR aligned with SONCAP and NAFDAC. LC presentation mirrors compliance steps so cargo clears without idle demurrage.
Buyer LC is confirmed. You discount on presentation and lock FX. Proceeds go to the collection account and sweep to take out the line first.
Process to term sheet and first draw
Map goods, buyers, and routes. Choose LC, receivables line, or guarantees. Set controls and takeout sources clearly, with compliance steps on the timeline.
Send an operator grade file to target lenders. Compare advance rates, covenants, reserves, and time to close.
Facility, security, assignments, account control, insurance, and compliance confirmations signed off. Conditions precedent ticked clearly.
First draw, shipment checks, invoice sweeps, bond tracking, and FX settlements monitored. Keep takeout timing on schedule.
Ready to arrange trade finance that matches your cycle
Share your shipment plan or buyer list with timing and compliance status. We will respond with structure options, advance rates, and a checklist to get you to first draw.
Request Trade Finance TermsWe act as an arranger on a best efforts basis through regulated partners. Eligibility depends on KYC and AML, sanctions screening, technical and legal diligence, and approval by capital partners. Nothing here is a commitment to lend.
Get Started With Us
Submit Your Deal & Receive a Proposal Within 1-3 Working Days
Submit your deal using our secure intake form, and receive a quote within 1-3 business days. Existing clients can connect with their relationship manager through our secure web portal.
All submissions are
promptly reviewed, and all communications are conducted through the intake form or the client portal for a seamless and secure process.
Thank you for considering working with us. A nominal fee of US$500 is required upon completion of each form. This fee covers the time and effort we invest in reviewing your submission and crafting a thorough proposal. We receive numerous inquiries and prioritize those that carry this fee, ensuring serious applicants receive prompt attention.
Trade Finance
Tap into solutions like letters of credit, bank guarantees, and payment facilitation. We address the challenge of global transaction risk through structured strategies that foster cross-border growth. Complete the form to unlock streamlined funding aligned with your commercial objectives.
Submit a RequestProject Finance
Access non-recourse funding for infrastructure, renewable energy, or other capital-intensive ventures. We mitigate capital constraints by isolating project assets and focusing on risk management. Provide your details to receive a structure that drives growth and maximizes returns.
Submit a RequestAcquisitions
Secure financing for business or real estate acquisitions. We ease transaction hurdles by reviewing cash flow, synergy opportunities, and exit plans. Complete the form for a customized proposal that supports your strategic investment objectives.
Submit a RequestFor Banks
Financely assists banks facing Basel III pressures by distributing trade finance deals and providing collateral for letters of credit. We reduce capital burdens while preserving client relationships and fostering service expansion. Submit your request to optimize your trade finance offerings.
Submit a RequestOnce we receive your submission, our team will review your information to determine feasibility. If eligible, you will receive a proposal or term sheet within 1–3 business days. Visit our FAQ and Procedure pages for more information.
Disclaimer: Financely provides financing based on due diligence and feasibility. Approval is not guaranteed, and past performance does not predict future outcomes. All terms are subject to review. Financely primarily assists with structuring and distribution. Qualified parties carry out the project if the client approves the proposal.
