During a recent Landmark financial, economic and training inclusion gathering held in Abuja, with the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, professional institutions at the forefront of shaping Nigeria’s credit economy landscape were acknowledged for their contributions to deepening access, trust, and participation in the nation’s economy. Among those recognized were the National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA), chartered, and ranked among the top six institutions advancing the financial inclusion conversation in Nigeria.
Beyond the recognition, the moment carried a deeper significance for NICA. It came just as the Institute prepares for the Investiture of Dr. (Mrs.) Markie Idowu, FICA, as its new President, scheduled to hold 10:00am, Thursday, 26th February, 2026 at Muson Centre, 8/9, Marina, Onikan, Lagos.
The alignment is symbolic.
Dr. (Mrs) Markie Idowu, FICA, is a Fellow of the National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA), chartered, a distinction reserved for professionals who have demonstrated extensive knowledge, experience, and commitment to the advancement of credit economy management practice. Her fellowship status
reflects years of active engagement in promoting credit professionalism and ethicality in credit management, institutional standards, and responsible credit culture.
Dr. (Mrs) Markie Idowu steps into office at a time when the national discourse has finally caught up with a principle NICA has long championed. Financial inclusion cannot succeed without a strong credit culture.
For years, she has been part of an institution that consistently emphasized that access to credit is only meaningful when individuals and businesses are able to build credible credit identities, manage risk responsibly, and participate in the economy with trust. The engagement with the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, reinforced this reality, as conversations repeatedly returned to issues of financial inclusion with priority on women and youth, risk management, credit discipline, and institutional trust, all core pillars of credit administration.
This is the professional space Dr. (Mrs) Markie Idowu now leads.
Her investiture comes at a period when Nigeria is seeking practical pathways to expand access to credit sustainably, reduce credit default risks across sectors,
promote responsible credit business transactions across industries, and strengthen confidence within the credit ecosystem.
These are not new concerns to NICA. They are long standing areas of advocacy, professional training, creation of national credit consciousness awareness and institutional engagement that Dr. Idowu has been deeply connected to within the Institute.
The recognition of NICA in the MoU signing with the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, therefore serves as a fitting prelude to her presidency. It highlights the growing national relevance of credit professionalism and sets the tone for the responsibility ahead.
Dr. (Mrs) Markie Idowu assumes leadership at a time when the country needs more than access. It needs financial inclusion, credit training inclusion, credit worthiness creation inclusion and people centred economic policy inclusion; supported by a system where Nigerians are not only visible but are also able to access opportunities based on verifiable credit behaviour, structured credit assessment, and professional standards.
Her leadership begins at this critical intersection.
The upcoming investiture is not merely ceremonial. It marks the emergence of a presidency that is aligned with Nigeria’s current economic priorities and the urgent need to strengthen the culture of credit across industries, institutions, and communities.
As NICA prepares to usher in this new phase, the message from Abuja remains clear. The work of credit professionals is central to the future of inclusion and economic growth in Nigeria.
And at this pivotal time, Dr. (Mrs.) Markie Idowu stands ready to lead that charge.
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