In order to create a $1 trillion economy by 2030, the federal government claims to be putting in place sustainable processes.
The plan was revealed at the 8th annual National Conference of the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN) in Benin, Edo State, by Ibrahim Hadejia, the deputy chief of staff to the president (Office of the Vice President).
The measures, according to Hadejia, are a component of the government’s strategy to close the wealth gap under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In order to accomplish its aim, the government is dedicated to pursuing economic and financial inclusion with all sector participants, Hadejia, who was represented by Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, Technical Advisor to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, gave assurances.
“Financial inclusion is at the core of our economic agenda as we strive to reach this milestone, making sure that all Nigerians, regardless of location, gender, or socioeconomic status, are not only included but also empowered in our financial system,” he said.
“The administration’s efforts to increase credit availability for Micro, Small, Medium, and Nano Enterprises (MSMSNE) and other initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive growth through financial and economic inclusion have demonstrated this.”
“An examination of important financial inclusion data shows that, despite significant advancements, about 26% of adults—mostly women, people living in rural areas, and small business owners—are financially excluded.”
“It is imperative that we concentrate on closing these gaps as we strive towards our 2030 economic goal.”
“In underserved communities, Neighbourhood Financial Inclusion Centres (NFIC) are essential in serving as a one-stop shop for financial services.”
“These centres will address the digital and physical barriers that prevent millions of Nigerians from accessing essential financial services, especially among the economically poor to improve their resilience against economic shocks, through proactive partnerships with government and financial institutions,” he stated.
In order to increase the adoption of cutting-edge goods and services for the benefit of the public, he urged all important stakeholders to work together.
He gave his word that Vice President Kashim Shettima, who also serves as the chairman of the National Economic Council, was prepared to offer the assistance the ecosystem needed to resolve any issues impeding its development.
“As a focal point in Nigeria’s economic growth, the vice president looks forward to the workshop’s recommendations on how to deliver impactful digital literacy programs and women-focused credit schemes using agent networks,” he continued.
Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State, stated in his message of goodwill that AMMBAN is essential to advancing financial inclusion since it closes the gap in financial accessibility and propels Nigeria’s economy.
Bernard Aigbe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, spoke on behalf of Obaseki, who praised AMMBAN for offering creative and effective financial services to marginalized areas.
He revealed that his administration had improved the lives of residents and fostered an environment that is favorable for businesses to prosper.
“My administration’s enabling environment for financial inclusion, among other things, has helped to reduce unemployment and alleviate poverty by creating a number of job opportunities in the financial services industry, particularly for Points of Sale (POS) Agents,” Obaseki continued.
Financial inclusion, according to Philip Ikeazor, CBN’s deputy governor (FSS), is a means of achieving economic empowerment, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development rather than only a policy objective.
He believed that rural areas still lag behind urban areas in terms of financial inclusion.
“We have to make sure that nobody is left behind as we proceed. By working together, we can build a future in which all Nigerians have access to the financial resources and services they require to prosper,” he said.
