Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to economic reforms aimed at fostering inclusive growth and bridging financial gaps across Nigeria.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, Shettima inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI)as part of the administration’s vision to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of an investment agreement by private sector stakeholders to provide essential infrastructure for the Aso Accord initiative, a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at transforming Nigeria’s economy.
In his address, Vice President Shettima emphasized that Nigeria’s economic aspirations require more than optimism, urging stakeholders to work together in addressing financial gaps.
“Our road to a $1 trillion economy by 2030 shall remain a mere wish unless we lay a foundation strong enough to carry our dreams. Dreams are not built on hope alone; they are the sum of deliberate ideas and strategies, inspired by our desire to win,” he stated.
While noting that financial inclusion rates have improved from 60.3% in 2012 to 74% in 2023, he stressed that millions of Nigerians remain excluded from the financial system.
“We welcome this investment as an opportunity to catalyze growth for startups and MSMEs, create jobs, and propel Nigeria towards the $1 trillion economy target by 2030. This is not merely another government initiative; it is a national duty to bridge the economic divide and maximize the full potential of our people,” Shettima added.
The newly inaugurated Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI) will operate through a Governance Committee (GovCo) and a Technical Committee (TechCo), supported by an Implementation Secretariat.
According to the Vice President, this framework will ensure a robust and adaptable approach to evolving challenges and opportunities in economic and financial inclusion.
IQS Africa is leading a consortium of core investors committed to providing essential infrastructure for the Aso Accord’s implementation.
Speaking at the event, IQS President/CEO, Mr. Emmanuel Itapson, described the initiative as a bold move to reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape, praising President Tinubu’s leadership.
“No nation has ever achieved a great leap in its move towards greatness without leadership that paints a vision and harnesses the best out of its people.
The Renewed Hope Agenda with its trillion-dollar economy target is Nigeria’s moonshot moment, and IQS Africa is excited to play a role in this national renewal,” he said.
The event saw the participation of government agencies, private sector representatives, development partners, and civil society organizations, all of whom expressed optimism about the impact of the initiative on Nigeria’s economic future.
As the government pushes for a $1 trillion economy by 2030, the collaboration between the public and private sectors is expected to be a driving force in closing financial gaps and fostering inclusive growth nationwide.