The Nigerian federal government has unveiled a bold initiative aimed at establishing a robust operating model and framework for Economic and Financial Inclusion, with the ambitious goal of elevating Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2030. This transformative project seeks to combat poverty and ignite sustainable economic growth from the grassroots level.
Vice President Kashim Shettima underscored the significance of the initiative, highlighting its pivotal role in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to advancing financial and economic inclusion nationwide. Speaking at the Kick-off meeting for the initiative’s Operating Model setup, Senator Shettima emphasized the strategic importance of fostering inclusive economic practices to drive prosperity across all sectors of Nigerian society.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the federal government introduced the Aso Accord on Economic and Financial Inclusion on April 25, 2024. This comprehensive blueprint is designed as a multi-faceted approach to achieve universal access to financial services. It stands as a cornerstone of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at not only propelling Nigeria towards becoming a $1 trillion economy but also addressing poverty and insecurity through widespread economic empowerment.
The initiative aims to empower marginalized communities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and underserved populations by facilitating greater access to financial resources, educational opportunities, and entrepreneurial support. By fostering an inclusive economic environment, the federal government seeks to unlock the nation’s full potential and stimulate sustainable development across all regions.
The Aso Accord represents a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders from government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organizations, all united in their commitment to driving equitable growth and prosperity. It emphasizes the strategic alignment of policies and interventions to create an enabling environment for economic expansion and job creation.
As Nigeria positions itself on the global stage, the implementation of this initiative is expected to enhance the country’s attractiveness to investors, spur innovation, and strengthen resilience against economic challenges.
The federal government, under the leadership of President Tinubu, reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive economic landscape that ensures no one is left behind in the nation’s journey towards sustainable development and prosperity.
