Reporting by the State House Press Office indicates that Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially launched a massive initiative to train 10 million Nigerians in financial inclusion and digital skills. The program, executed through the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), involves a partnership with six major professional bodies, including ICAN and CIBN. The goal is to equip women and youth with the tools needed to navigate the modern digital economy.
The Vice President emphasized that Nigeria can only reap its “demographic dividend” if the population is financially literate and ethically grounded. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding with these professional institutions, the government intends to create certification pathways and mentorship platforms that will bridge the gap between rural populations and formal banking services.
The initiative was further validated by Leadership Newspaper and Tribune Online. Leadership noted that the program is a response to “visible improvements in the economy,” while Tribune Online quoted the CEO of technical partner WAWU Africa, who stated, “We are ready to provide the digital platform to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in this wealth creation journey.”
Echotitbits take: Financial literacy is a pre-requisite for the success of the government’s student loan and MSME credit schemes. If successful, this could significantly reduce the 40% unbanked rate in Nigeria. The challenge, as always, will be reaching the “last mile” in rural areas with poor internet connectivity.
Source: Arise – https://www.arise.tv/fg-signs-mou-with-ican-cibn-others-to-train-10m-nigerians-on-financial-literacy/, February 3, 2026
Photo credit: Arise