In a bid to widen access to economic resources and reduce poverty, the Nigerian government has moved into the action stage of its economic and financial inclusion agenda.
The initiative includes establishing a cross-agency task force to resolve issues delaying the disbursement of conditional cash support for 15 million of the nation’s poorest households—a key component of President Tinubu’s poverty alleviation mandate.
Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, who serves in the Office of the Vice President, led Wednesday’s kickoff meeting of the Technical Committee overseeing the policy rollout.
He said the gathering united major players from government departments, banks, tech firms, and academic institutions to ensure synergy around the President’s vision.
“Our success so far hinges on stakeholder cooperation. Inclusion isn’t just having access to a bank—it’s about connectivity, credit, and digital opportunities that empower the population,” Hadejia explained.
He also referenced international discussions, particularly at the World Bank meetings, that celebrated India’s achievements in lifting millions out of poverty through accessible financial systems.
Committee Secretary and Financial Inclusion Advisor to the President, Nurudeen Zauro, disclosed that a roadmap and governance model had been approved to guide implementation.
Zauro confirmed the task force’s composition includes agencies such as NIMC, CBN, NCTO, NASSCO, and NIBSS.
The committee also resolved to collaborate with state governments to utilise localised financial access data from EFInA’s biennial survey, with plans to brief the National Economic Council and state governors.
Aisha Isa-Olatinwo, who leads financial inclusion at the Central Bank, emphasised that the focus must remain on tangible results for those at the grassroots level, describing inclusion as a pillar of Tinubu’s economic agenda.
Among the organisations at the session were NITDA, BOI, NCC, FCCPC, Google, Gates Foundation, ABU Zaria, and others working to ensure the initiative’s success across sectors.
