Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to bridging financial gaps and driving inclusive economic growth as part of efforts to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Shettima made this known on Monday at the State House, Abuja, during the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), a strategic initiative aimed at expanding financial access for millions of Nigerians.
The event also witnessed the signing of a landmark agreement between private sector investors and the government to provide essential infrastructure for the Aso Accord Initiative, a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima urged stakeholders to support the government's efforts to integrate unbanked citizens into the financial system.
“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 require deliberate ideas and strategies inspired by our desire to win,” Shettima stated.
He highlighted the progress made since the launch of the Financial Inclusion Strategy in 2012, noting that financial inclusion rates had risen from 60.3% to 74% by 2023. However, he emphasized that millions of Nigerians remain locked out of 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; this is a higher calling—a national duty to bridge the economic divide and maximize the full potential of our people,” he added.
Shettima assured that President Tinubu remains resolute in mitigating the short-term effects of economic reforms, expanding financial opportunities, and ensuring every Nigerian benefits from economic growth, regardless of geography or status.
The newly established 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.
Meanwhile, IQS Africa is leading a consortium of core investors committed to providing the essential infrastructure required for the Aso Accord’s implementation.
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, stated that the composition of the Presidential Committee, which includes sub-nationals, federal ministries, and private sector representatives, underscores President Tinubu’s determination to achieve Nigeria’s trillion-dollar economic target.
