How to Fix Errors on CRC or FirstCentral Reports

Your credit report is one of the most important financial documents in your life. It tells lenders, employers, and financial institutions how trustworthy you are with money. In Nigeria, your credit history is tracked by Credit Bureaus, mainly CRC Credit Bureau, FirstCentral Credit Bureau, and CreditRegistry.

But what if your report contains errors — wrong personal information, incorrect loan balances, or debts you already paid? These mistakes can stop you from getting loans, jobs, or even renting an apartment.

The good news is: you can fix errors on your CRC or FirstCentral report for free. This guide will teach you exactly how to do it step-by-step.

We’ll cover everything in simple, clear English — no confusing jargon — so that even a 10-year-old can understand.

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Table of Contents

1. What Is a Credit Report?

2. Understanding CRC and FirstCentral Credit Bureaus

3. Common Types of Errors Found on Credit Reports

4. Why Credit Report Errors Matter

5. How Credit Report Errors Affect Your Credit Score

6. How to Check Your Credit Report in Nigeria (CRC & FirstCentral)

7. Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Errors on CRC Credit Bureau Report

8. Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Errors on FirstCentral Credit Bureau Report

9. Supporting Documents You’ll Need for a Credit Dispute

10. How Long It Takes to Fix Credit Report Errors

11. What to Do if the Bureau Rejects Your Dispute

12. Tips to Prevent Future Credit Report Errors

13. Benefits of Having an Accurate Credit Report

14. Comparison Table: CRC vs FirstCentral Credit Dispute Process

15. Real-Life Examples of Correcting Credit Report Mistakes in Nigeria

16. Summary Table: Steps to Fix Credit Report Errors

17. 15+ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

18. Conclusion and Call to Action

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What Is a Credit Report?

A credit report is a record that shows your borrowing history, repayment behaviour, and financial reputation. It’s a summary of how well you manage loans, credit cards, and other financial obligations.

Your credit report contains:

• Your name, address, and contact details

• Bank Verification Number (BVN)

• List of current and past loans

• Payment history (on-time or late)

• Outstanding balances

• Loan defaults, collections, or court judgments

• Credit score

Every adult who has ever borrowed from a bank, SACCO, microfinance institution, or mobile loan app has a credit report — whether you know it or not.

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Understanding CRC and FirstCentral Credit Bureaus

In Nigeria, three main Credit Bureaus are licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to collect and share credit information:

These bureaus collect data from lenders and create reports that show your creditworthiness.

When you apply for a loan, the lender checks your CRC or FirstCentral record. If there’s an error — like an unpaid loan you already cleared — your application might be rejected.

That’s why it’s crucial to check your credit report regularly and fix any mistakes immediately.

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Common Types of Errors Found on Credit Reports

Even the best systems can make mistakes. Credit bureaus collect data from thousands of lenders, so errors happen more often than you think.

Common errors include:

1. Wrong personal details: Misspelled name, wrong address, or BVN mismatch.

2. Duplicate loans: The same loan appearing twice.

3. Paid loans marked as “unpaid.”

4. Incorrect balances: Loan amounts higher than the actual debt.

5. Loans you never took: Possible identity theft.

6. Wrong payment dates or frequency.

7. Default reported after repayment.

8. Outdated information — loans still showing after 5–6 years.

Even a small mistake can lower your credit score and cause you to lose access to important financial opportunities.

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Why Credit Report Errors Matter

You might think a small mistake isn’t a big deal. But lenders use credit reports to decide whether to trust you with money.

If your report is wrong, you might:

• Be denied a loan or credit card.

• Be charged higher interest rates.

• Lose job opportunities (some employers check credit).

• Be disqualified from rent or business financing.

Example:

Let’s say you repaid a ₦200,000 loan from a microfinance bank in 2023.
But CRC still shows it as “unpaid.”
Now in 2025, you apply for a car loan — the bank sees the “unpaid” debt and rejects your application.

That’s why fixing errors fast is key to protecting your financial future.

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How Credit Report Errors Affect Your Credit Score

Your credit score is a number (300–850) that shows how likely you are to repay loans.

Errors such as “unpaid loans” or “late payments” can pull your score down even if they’re not true.

A lower score means:

• You pay higher interest rates.

• You may be rejected by lenders or employers.

So, correcting these mistakes helps your score go back up — and rebuilds your trust with lenders.

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How to Check Your Credit Report in Nigeria (CRC & FirstCentral)

You have the right to one free credit report every year from each licensed bureau.

To check your CRC Credit Report:

1. Visit www.crccreditbureau.com.

2. Click on “Get My Credit Report.”

3. Create an account or log in.

4. Enter your BVN, phone number, and ID.

5. Download your report.

To check your FirstCentral Credit Report:

1. Visit www.firstcentralcreditbureau.com.

2. Click “Get My Credit Report.”

3. Register using your phone number or BVN.

4. Verify your identity.

5. Download the report in PDF.

Once you have your report, review it carefully for any errors or strange entries.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Errors on CRC Credit Bureau Report

If you find a mistake on your CRC report, follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the Error

Check every section of your report:

• Are your personal details correct?

• Do loan amounts match what you borrowed?

• Is there a loan you already paid off?

Mark any wrong details clearly.

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Step 2: Gather Proof

You’ll need documents to back up your dispute:

• Loan repayment receipts.

• Bank statements showing payments.

• Clearance letters from lenders.

• Your valid ID (NIN, passport, or driver’s license).

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Step 3: Contact CRC Credit Bureau

You can dispute the error online or by email.

Option 1 – Online:

1. Visit CRC Dispute Portal.

2. Fill in your name, email, and BVN.

3. Describe the error clearly.

4. Upload your supporting documents.

5. Submit and wait for confirmation.

Option 2 – Email:
Send an email to: [email protected]
Include:

• Subject: Credit Report Dispute – [Your Full Name]

• Your BVN

• Description of error

• Attach proof

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Step 4: Wait for CRC Investigation

CRC contacts your lender to verify your claim.
The process takes up to 30 business days.

During this time, CRC must:

• Investigate your dispute.

• Get feedback from the lender.

• Correct the error if confirmed.

You’ll get an email update once it’s resolved.

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Step 5: Get Your Updated Report

Once corrected, CRC will send you a new credit report showing the changes.

If your score dropped due to the error, it will be adjusted automatically.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Errors on FirstCentral Credit Bureau Report

FirstCentral has a similar dispute process, but with a slightly different form.

Step 1: Identify the Error

Review your FirstCentral report and highlight any inaccurate entries.

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Step 2: Gather Evidence

Collect:

• Bank receipts or proof of payment.

• Loan clearance letters.

• Valid ID.

• Screenshots (if from mobile loan apps).

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Step 3: Submit a Dispute

You can submit online or by email.

Online:

1. Visit FirstCentral Dispute Portal.

2. Fill the Dispute Resolution Form.

3. Attach your documents.

4. Submit your request.

Email:
Send to [email protected] or [email protected]
Use this subject line: Credit Report Dispute – [Your Full Name]

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Step 4: Follow Up

FirstCentral will confirm receipt within 5 business days.
They’ll contact your lender and review the issue within 30 days.

If your claim is valid, they’ll correct it and send you a new report.

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Step 5: Get Confirmation

You’ll receive a message or email confirming that your report has been corrected.
Always download and save the updated version for your records.

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Supporting Documents You’ll Need for a Credit Dispute

To make your dispute smooth, prepare the following documents:

Missing documents can delay your case, so prepare everything before submitting.

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How Long It Takes to Fix Credit Report Errors

Under CBN regulations, credit bureaus must resolve disputes within 30 business days.

Timeline Breakdown:

• Day 1–5: CRC or FirstCentral reviews your complaint.

• Day 6–20: They contact the lender for confirmation.

• Day 21–30: Corrections are made and updates sent to you.

If your lender doesn’t respond on time, the bureau may temporarily suspend the disputed data until verified.

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What to Do if the Bureau Rejects Your Dispute

If CRC or FirstCentral refuses your correction request, don’t panic.

You can:

1. Request a detailed explanation of why your dispute was rejected.

2. Submit new evidence (like payment receipts).

3. Contact your lender directly to confirm the correction.

4. If still unresolved, escalate to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by emailing:
   [email protected]

The CBN Consumer Protection Department oversees credit bureau operations and can help mediate.

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Tips to Prevent Future Credit Report Errors

1. Check your credit report every 6 months.

2. Pay your loans on time.

3. Keep receipts for all payments.

4. Update lenders when you change phone numbers or addresses.

5. Avoid multiple loan apps.

6. Dispute errors immediately when found.

Being proactive saves you stress later.

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Benefits of Having an Accurate Credit Report

A clean report is your financial passport — treat it with care.

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Comparison Table: CRC vs FirstCentral Credit Dispute Process

Both bureaus follow CBN’s strict rules for accuracy and transparency.

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Real-Life Examples of Correcting Credit Report Mistakes in Nigeria

Example 1 – Duplicate Loan Entry

Bisi noticed that the same ₦100,000 loan appeared twice on her CRC report.
She emailed CRC with a screenshot and her repayment receipt.
In 3 weeks, CRC confirmed it was a data error and deleted the duplicate.

Example 2 – Paid Loan Showing as Unpaid

Adebayo had repaid a ₦250,000 microloan in 2022, but it still showed as “unpaid” on FirstCentral.
He submitted a bank statement and loan clearance letter.
FirstCentral verified with the lender and updated his record — his credit score rose by 120 points.

Example 3 – Wrong BVN Linked

Chioma’s report had a default under a different BVN.
She filed a dispute with CRC, attached her NIN, and it was corrected within 14 days.

These real cases show that errors are fixable — you just need to act fast.

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Summary Table: Steps to Fix Credit Report Errors

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15+ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is CRC Credit Bureau?
CRC is a Nigerian credit bureau licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to track borrower information and credit history.

2. What is FirstCentral Credit Bureau?
FirstCentral is another CBN-approved bureau that compiles credit reports from banks, fintechs, and microfinance institutions.

3. Can I get my credit report for free?
Yes. Each bureau gives you one free credit report per year.

4. How often should I check my credit report?
At least once every 6 months or before applying for any major loan.

5. What should I do if I find a wrong entry?
File a dispute immediately with the bureau (CRC or FirstCentral).

6. Is fixing credit report errors free?
Yes. Under Nigerian law, credit bureaus must allow free correction requests.

7. How long does the correction take?
Usually 30 business days after you file your dispute.

8. Can my lender fix the error directly?
Yes, but it’s best to notify both the lender and the credit bureau.

9. What happens if the bureau doesn’t fix it?
You can escalate to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Consumer Protection Department.

10. Can a wrong entry affect my credit score?
Yes, incorrect defaults or unpaid loans can lower your score.

11. Can I dispute multiple errors at once?
Yes, but provide clear evidence for each issue.

12. Will I get confirmation after correction?
Yes, the bureau will send you a new report showing the updates.

13. Can I check both CRC and FirstCentral reports?
Yes, each bureau may have slightly different information.

14. Can mobile loan errors appear on credit reports?
Yes, apps like Branch, FairMoney, and Carbon report to credit bureaus.

15. Do I need a lawyer to fix my report?
No. You can handle it yourself with proper documentation.

16. Can credit report errors affect job applications?
Yes, especially for banking, government, or financial roles.

17. How can I improve my credit score after fixing errors?
Repay loans early, reduce debt, and maintain a positive borrowing pattern.

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Conclusion

Your credit report is like your financial fingerprint — it tells your story to lenders and employers.

Errors can make you look unreliable, even if you’ve been responsible. But with the CRC and FirstCentral dispute process, you can correct those mistakes quickly and for free.

Remember:

Check. Dispute. Correct. Rebuild.

This simple cycle keeps your record clean and your financial future secure.

Don’t wait until you’re denied a loan to fix your report — check it today!