Shettima-led initiative targets youth and women with digital, financial, and entrepreneurial training nationwide…..
The Federal Government has opened registration for a sweeping national programme aimed at equipping 10 million Nigerians with critical financial and digital skills, in what officials describe as a major push toward inclusive economic growth.
The initiative is being driven by the Office of the Vice President through the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, as part of broader efforts to close Nigeria’s financial literacy gap and expand economic participation.
A Nationwide Skills Drive
At the launch in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented by Tope Fasua described the programme as one of the most far-reaching capacity-building efforts in recent years.
According to him, the initiative will go beyond basic financial education, covering a wide range of practical skills including:
- Financial and economic literacy
- Digital and IT skills
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Healthcare and wellness
- Creative arts and design
- Engineering and hospitality
He noted that the programme is designed to empower Nigerians across multiple sectors, particularly women and young people, helping them build sustainable income streams.
“This initiative has the potential to become one of the flagship programmes of this administration,” he said, highlighting its long-term national and global impact.
Backed by Strong Partnerships
The programme is supported by a coalition of professional bodies and international partners, following a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year.
Key institutions involved include:
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria
- Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria
- Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers
- National Institute of Credit Administration
The initiative also enjoys support from global and regional partners such as the World Bank, African Union, ECOWAS, and National Information Technology Development Agency.
These organisations are expected to help develop certification programmes, mentorship platforms, and digital training frameworks.
Free Training, No Fees Required
Officials have stressed that the programme is completely free, warning Nigerians to be cautious of fraudsters who may attempt to exploit the registration process.
Nurudeen Zauro, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, urged applicants to avoid making any payments.
“This training is free of charge. No one should request any form of payment,” he said, adding that awareness efforts are ongoing to ensure citizens receive accurate information.
Building a Financially Inclusive Future
Beyond skills acquisition, the government says the initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s economic foundation by improving financial inclusion.
Vice President Shettima emphasised that true inclusion goes beyond access to financial services, it also requires knowledge, trust, and the ability to make informed financial decisions.
By investing in human capital at this scale, the government hopes to unlock new opportunities for millions of Nigerians, reduce poverty, and drive long-term economic growth.
What It Means for Nigerians
If successfully implemented, the programme could:
- Increase financial awareness across underserved communities
- Boost entrepreneurship and small business growth
- Expand access to digital and remote work opportunities
- Strengthen Nigeria’s workforce for a modern economy
For many Nigerians especially young people, the initiative could serve as a gateway to new skills, new income streams, and greater financial independence.
