The Procedure for Joining NICA Membership

The National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA), chartered, has established a clear, structured, and transparent procedure for admitting qualified professionals into its membership, in line with the Institute’s mandate and governing regulations.

Professional Membership Categories

Membership of the Institute is organised into the following professional categories:

1.Fellow (FICA)

2.Member (MICA)

3.Associate (AICA)

Prospective applicants are expected to familiarise themselves with these categories before commencing the application process.

Requirements for Direct Entry

• Fellow (FICA): Candidate of notable professional and academic achievements in the field of credit and financial management, or occupies top level position in management with functions having to do with credit, financial, accounting and marketing in a directorate or senior management capacity either at present or in the past; including membership of related professional institutes on similar grade.

• Member (MICA): Candidate must possess good honors degree or its equivalent with relevant work experience at middle management level with functions having to do with Credit Management, Accounting, Banking and Finance and Marketing of not less than five years. In addition, candidate must show evidence of professional membership in the same grade or “associate grade” obtained from relevant recognized professional body.

• Associate (AICA): Candidate must have completed the Institute’s final professional examinations. However, a candidate with good honors degree or its equivalent in Accounting and Banking Finance and Marketing with relevant work experience in credit management of not less than three years, may be considered.

Submission of Curriculum Vitae

The membership process begins with the submission of a current and comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) by the prospective applicant.

Membership Screening

Upon receipt, the CV is forwarded to the Membership Screening Committee of the Institute, which appraises the applicant’s qualifications, experience, and professional background with a view to determining the most appropriate category of membership.

Notification and Payment of Fees

Following the Committee’s assessment, the applicant is formally notified of the approved membership category. An invoice is attached to the notification letter, incorporating the various fees approved by the Institute’s Governing Council and payable by the applicant.

Membership Induction

Once the prescribed fees are paid, the applicant is selected for induction into the Institute. Induction takes place within the same month of payment and is conducted as a hybrid programme, combining both virtual and physical participation. The induction is conducted by the President and Chairman of Council of the Institute, supported by other Council members.

Post-Induction Mandatory Academic Improvement Programme

After induction, newly admitted members immediately commence a six-month Mandatory Credit Management Academic Improvement Programme. The programme is designed to equip members with the knowledge and skills required for effective credit business transactions and administration across all sectors of the economy, including government and international credit activities.

Participation in this programme is compulsory. Its completion validates and authenticates the direct-entry membership granted to the individual. Upon completion, an exit certificate is awarded by the Postgraduate School of Credit and Financial Management (PSCFM).

Professional Certification Programme

Members subsequently proceed to the Institute’s Professional Certification Programme, culminating in the award of Certified Chartered Credit Administrator (CCCA). This is the final professional certification of the Institute and represents the bedrock of professional competence in credit administration.

The duration of the CCCA programme is determined by membership category:

​•​Fellows (FICA): One year

​•​Members (MICA): Two years

​•​Associates (AICA): Three years

Further details of the programme are available on the Institute’s websitewww.icanigeria.net.

Annual Subscription

All members are required to pay annual subscriptions as follows:

​•​Fellows (FICA): ₦30,000

​•​Members (MICA): ₦20,000

​•​Associates (AICA): ₦10,000

Professional Development and Engagement

Participation in the Institute’s professional development programmes is mandatory for all members. These include the monthly Credit Managers’Roundtable, the Eminent Business Leaders Networking Group(EMBLNG), the annual Nigerian Credit Industry Awards, the Nigeria Credit Economic Forum, which convenes key stakeholders across the credit ecosystem and National Credit Managers Conference, which is NICA’s annual event, participation is mandatory once you are a member of the Institute.

Members also benefit from access to the Institute’s publications, including the Credit Manager Magazine and Credit Economy News.

NICA’s Publications

Business owners, entrepreneurs, and top executives who are members of the Institute will find NICA’s monthly magazine, The Credit Manager, and its weekly online publication, CreditEconomyNews, to be veritable platforms for promoting products and services, sharing insights, and creating meaningful business awareness.

Committees of the Institute

The Institute operates through about seventeen (17) committees established by the Governing Council to support the delivery of its mandate in line with the NICA Act. Members are encouraged to participate in one or two committees to contribute their expertise and support the Institute’s objectives.

Joining NICA Is a Smart Move, Here’s Why

Joining NICA is a smart move for professionals seeking growth and recognition in credit economy management. The Institute offers respected professional pathways and certifications, including FICA, MICA, and AICA, as well as specialized credentials such as CCA and CCCA, designed to strengthen competence and career progression across the credit value chain.

Membership provides access to a strong network of industry experts and like-minded credit economy management professionals, continuous professional development through trainings and workshops, and timely insights into evolving credit economy management practices. It also enhances professional credibility, demonstrating a clear commitment to excellence, ethical standards, and best practices.

As a member, you benefit from NICA’s advocacy and policy engagement while becoming part of a professional community actively shaping and advancing Nigeria’s credit economy management landscape.

This Institute established by law under the NICA Act No. 26 of 2022, now is the time to take decisive steps toward joining NICA. Membership requirements are expected to become more rigorous, and delaying your decision may result in higher costs and missed opportunities. Act now and secure your place in Nigeria’s evolving credit management ecosystem.

Invest in yourself and be part of a thriving credit economy management in Nigeria.

Contact Information

For further enquiries on membership and related matters, please contact:

Lagos Office:

​•​Telephone: 08023314598, 08034030160, 07089148843

​•​Email: Registrar@icanigeria.net, membership@icanigeria.net

Abuja Office:

​•​Telephone: 09035056575, 08095123576, 08056662415,

​•​Email: Membershipabuja@icanigeria.net