How Long Does It Take to Improve a Bad Credit Score in Nigeria?

Improving a bad credit score in Nigeria doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort, it is absolutely possible. Whether your score has dropped due to unpaid loans, late payments, or lack of activity, you can rebuild it step by step. The exact time it takes depends on your financial behaviour, the severity of the damage, and how the credit bureaus report updates.

What counts as a bad credit score?

In Nigeria, credit scores generally range from 300 to 850. A score below 600 is considered poor. If your score falls in this range, lenders may view you as a high-risk borrower. You’re more likely to be denied loans or charged higher interest rates.

How long will it take to fix it?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but most people start seeing improvement within 3 to 6 months of positive behaviour. For more serious issues like loan defaults, it can take 12 to 24 months to rebuild your score.

What can you do to rebuild your score faster?

• Pay all bills on time
  This includes loan repayments, utility bills, and service subscriptions. Consistency is key.
• Clear overdue debts
  If you have unpaid loans, settle them or contact the lender to restructure and pay in installments.
• Limit new loan applications
  Too many loan requests in a short time can hurt your score. Be strategic about when and why you apply.
• Use credit wisely
  If you have access to credit, use only what you need and repay quickly.
• Monitor your credit report
  Check for errors or outdated information. Dispute inaccuracies with the credit bureau to ensure your report reflects the correct data.
• Use credit-building tools
  Platforms like Scorewise help you track your score and offer insights on how to grow it with smart habits.

Most credit bureaus in Nigeria update your credit file every 30 days. That means improvements in your score can begin to show after your next update, assuming you've made positive changes.

Improving a bad credit score anywhere takes time and discipline, but it’s within your reach. Small, consistent actions, like paying on time and avoiding unnecessary loans, go a long way. The key is to stay patient and proactive.

Want to track your credit progress? You can check your credit score by yourself on the Scorewise app, available on the App Store or the Play Store.