The Federal Government has opened registration for a nationwide initiative aimed at training 10 million Nigerians in financial literacy and inclusion, targeting improved economic participation and wealth creation.
The programme, driven by the Office of the Vice President through the Presidential Committee on Economic & Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), is designed to equip citizens, particularly women and youth, with essential financial, digital, and entrepreneurial skills.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs PreCEFI, described the initiative as a transformative step toward building a financially empowered population. He was represented by Dr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs.
According to Shettima, the programme goes beyond financial literacy to include training in digital skills, information technology, healthcare, entrepreneurship, creative arts, engineering, and hospitality, reflecting a holistic approach to human capital development.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the broader vision of President Bola Tinubu to drive inclusive growth and position Nigeria for both national and global impact.
The Vice President added that the programme is expected to become one of the administration’s flagship interventions, given its potential to empower millions and deepen financial inclusion across the country.
Earlier in February, PreCEFI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with key professional bodies to design and implement the training framework. These include the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, and the National Institute of Credit Administration, among others.
The programme is also supported by global development partners such as the World Bank, African Union, ECOWAS, and the National Information Technology Development Agency.
Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, emphasised that the training is completely free, warning Nigerians to avoid fraudulent individuals or groups demanding payment for participation.
He said efforts are underway to ensure widespread awareness of the registration process and to protect prospective participants from scams.
The initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to close financial inclusion gaps by not only expanding access to financial services but also building the knowledge, skills, and trust required for effective participation in the economy.
Officials say the long-term goal is to strengthen Nigeria’s human capital base, enhance productivity, and support sustainable economic growth through improved financial capability among citizens.
