The National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA) has conferred its professional fellowship on Uche Uzoebo, managing director of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF), recognising her contributions to financial inclusion and digital payments in Nigeria.
The recognition was announced in Lagos during the investiture ceremony of Dr. (Mrs.) Markie Idowu is the institute’s new president.
Chris Onalo, NICA registrar and chief executive officer, said the institute remains committed to strengthening credit management and promoting professionalism in Nigeria’s financial system.
“Unlike many other institutes, NICA recognises that credit management is a lifeline of commerce, influencing every aspect of business, social, and economic life. Through this commitment, the Institute continues to shape Nigeria’s economic future towards sustainable growth,” Onalo said in his welcome address.
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The fellowship is the institute’s highest professional distinction and is awarded to individuals whose leadership has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s credit environment, institutional governance frameworks and the integrity of the financial system.
Uzoebo has more than two decades of experience in banking, digital payments and financial services. Her work spans agency banking, product development, merchant acquiring and corporate, commercial and retail banking.
At SANEF, she has played a key role in expanding agent banking networks aimed at bringing financial services closer to underserved communities, particularly in rural and low-income areas.
The institute said her leadership has helped strengthen secure digital payment systems while improving access to financial services across Nigeria.
Through SANEF initiatives, Uzoebo has supported financial literacy programmes and technology-driven solutions designed to expand economic opportunities and deepen financial inclusion.
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The recognition comes as the world marks International Women’s Day, highlighting growing attention to women’s leadership in finance, governance and economic development.
NICA described Uzoebo as a strong advocate for gender inclusion and women’s economic empowerment, noting her efforts to support women entrepreneurs and remove structural barriers to economic participation.
The ceremony brought together financial sector executives, regulators and policymakers to celebrate professional excellence in credit administration and financial governance in Nigeria.
