By Abdullahi Lukman
Highland Microfinance Bank has launched the High Hygiene WASH Loan, a new financial product aimed at improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access for underserved Nigerians.
The loan facility was unveiled in Abuja on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the bank’s commitment to health and community development.
The High Hygiene WASH Loan is a result of a strategic partnership between Highland Microfinance Bank, Water.org, and the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB).
The initiative aims to address the widespread challenges many households and businesses face in maintaining consistent hygiene standards.
By offering affordable financial support, the bank hopes to improve sanitation facilities and provide access to clean drinking water across Nigeria.
Benjamin Mapac, Managing Director of Highland Microfinance Bank, highlighted the importance of the loan, stating, “The WASH facility is a purpose-driven solution, built with input from people who understand the hygiene challenges both at the community and institutional levels.”
The loan is specifically designed for acquiring or upgrading toilets and sanitation infrastructure, as well as for providing clean drinking water to those who lack access.
The loan comes with an attractive interest rate of 3 percent monthly, with flexible repayment tenures ranging from 6 to 12 months, depending on the loan size.
The product aims to provide affordable access to sanitation and water solutions for millions of Nigerians who continue to face hygiene and water access issues.
“This partnership with Water.org and NAMB has deepened our understanding of the water access realities in Nigeria, and through this, we can now provide tailored solutions that meet the real needs of our customers,” Mapac said.
The bank sees the loan as part of its broader effort to protect health, uphold dignity, and ensure that hygiene becomes an accessible priority for Nigerians.
Mr. Eddy Orok, Executive Secretary of NAMB, praised the initiative, noting that the collaboration had supported the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 in Nigeria, which focuses on ensuring access to water and sanitation for all.
He also expressed hope for further expanding the partnership to reach even more communities.
Mr. Gilbert Okpono, Senior Relationship Account Manager at Water.org, emphasized the transformative impact of the loan: “With the High-Hygiene WASH Loan, we are helping families access clean water and safe sanitation, offering them a future filled with health, safety, and dignity.”
The High Hygiene WASH Loan is expected to improve living conditions for millions by making essential hygiene solutions more affordable and accessible, while strengthening the country’s overall commitment to water and sanitation goals.
