csrreporters 
ARM Investment Managers has unveiled a ₦200bn private debt programme aimed at improving access to long term financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, as funding constraints continue to limit the sector’s growth.
The initiative was announced in Lagos on Monday by the Chief Executive Officer of the ARM Private Debt Fund, Deji Opeola, during the launch of the firm’s SME financing platform.
As part of the programme, ARM introduced Series I of the ARM Private Debt Fund, a closed ended private credit vehicle structured to provide scalable SMEs with long-term, structured capital, while delivering stable, risk-adjusted returns to institutional and qualified investors.
Opeola said Series I is targeting an initial raise of ₦25bn and forms part of a broader ₦200bn shelf programme registered under relevant regulatory frameworks.
Private credit plays a critical role in modern financial systems,” he said. “The fund will deploy capital primarily through senior secured term loans, revolving credit facilities, and selective subordinated debt to high-quality SMEs across key sectors in Nigeria and Sub Saharan Africa.”
According to ARM, priority sectors include manufacturing, trade and distribution, agribusiness value chains (excluding primary agriculture), services, logistics, and technology enabled businesses.
ARM added that at least 80 per cent of the portfolio will be invested in senior secured, asset-backed, and covenant-protected facilities, underscoring its focus on disciplined risk management
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