ABUJA — In a major push for financial inclusion in Northern Nigeria, Entourage Integrated Trust Limited has announced the expansion of its operations into Borno, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Kebbi states. This strategic move is designed to bridge the financing gap for Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in regions where access to structured credit has historically been limited.
With this expansion, the firm now has a presence in 29 states, supporting a growing network of over 300,000 entrepreneurs across the federation.
Proximity as a Strategy: Banking Beyond Hubs
Unlike many financial institutions pivoting exclusively to digital-only models, Entourage’s strategy is built on physical proximity. Managing Director/CEO Mr. Seyi Asagun emphasized that the expansion is about removing barriers for businesses operating outside traditional commercial centers like Lagos or Abuja.
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Target Demographics: The new offices will primarily serve traders, agricultural entrepreneurs, and micro-enterprises.
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Flexible Lending: Loans are structured to align with the unique cash flows of the informal sector, including daily, weekly, and seasonal income patterns—crucial for farmers in Taraba and Kebbi.
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Ethical Practices: The company prioritizes long-term partnerships and structured repayment plans over aggressive high-interest lending.
Scaling Sustainability and Service Quality
To support this rapid physical growth, Entourage has ramped up its internal operational systems. Deputy Managing Director Mr. Philip Nkafuonye noted that the priority is ensuring that expansion does not dilute service quality.
| Expansion Metric | Data Point |
| New States Added | Borno, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kebbi |
| Total State Presence | 29 States |
| Entrepreneur Base | 300,000+ |
| Core Client Focus | Micro-enterprises & Agribusiness |
Analysis: Strengthening the Northern Economic Corridor
The choice of Borno and Kebbi is particularly significant. As these regions recover and stabilize, the demand for “seed capital” to restart local trade and agriculture is surging. By providing structured credit, Entourage is helping to move these businesses from the informal “cash-under-the-mattress” system into the formal financial ecosystem.
