FG, states move to deepen economic, financial inclusion
26 April 2024 |
4:13 am
The Federal Government has signed what it termed “the Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion” with states and other key stakeholders in the private sector as part of efforts to deliver financial services at an affordable cost to Nigerians
Vice President Kashim Shettima PHOTO: Twitter/@officialSKSM
The Federal Government has signed what it termed “the Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion” with states and other key stakeholders in the private sector as part of efforts to deliver financial services at an affordable cost to Nigerians, including those at disadvantaged and low-income segments of the society.
Specifically, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, signed on behalf of the Federal Government, yesterday, during a two-day workshop for Economic and Financial Inclusion in Abuja.
Similarly, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), and Kwara helmsman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, assented for the states, while Managing Director/CEO of Sterling Bank PLC, Abubakar Suleiman, inked for the private sector.
Opening the workshop, organised by the Office of the Technical Adviser to the President on Financial Inclusion (Office of the Vice President), Shettima demanded a renewed commitment from state governors and other key players in the nation’s economic and financial inclusion space to forge a more inclusive and prosperous future for all citizens.
According to him, while President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive economic growth for sustainable development has been unmistakable, “at the core of Mr. President’s economic recovery strategy lies a multi-faceted approach aimed at rescuing the economy through various means.”
Listing the means to include “job creation, ensuring food security, eradicating extreme poverty, and, notably, facilitating access to capital,” the Vice President pointed out that these “form the foundation upon which our nation’s prosperity rests.” He added: “They also demonstrate our resolve to reinvent a system where economic empowerment is not just a dream, but a tangible reality for all.”
Shettima noted that the inspiration to engage critical stakeholders stemmed from the shared interests that align with the stark reality that Nigeria cannot afford to maintain the status quo, expressing confidence that the depth of expertise within the reach of participants is enough to power their grand ideas for financial inclusion.
Earlier, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Hassan Hadejia, said expectations were high, as stakeholders are to, among other things, interrogate the rising gender gap in financial inclusion.
Observing that the concept must integrate equality and accessibility of financial services to all and sundry, he said President Tinubu’s charge to stakeholders was to ensure that no one is left behind as new strategies and models are being adopted to meet set targets.
In his goodwill message, the 14th Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, canvassed a review of strategies for enhancing financial inclusion and literacy across the federation, noting that it is a continuous work requiring consistent implementation.
He stressed the need for integration of financial literacy in the educational curriculum, explaining that there is a direct correlation between financial exclusion and the wave of insecurity and poverty levels, among other vices in the country.
On his part, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, advocated the adoption and deployment of technology to boost the digital environment to strengthen access to financial services, even in rural communities.
In his remarks, Edun said financial inclusion is an integral element of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, especially in ensuring prosperity for all Nigerians, by reaching the 100 per cent financial inclusion mark.
He commended the support of stakeholders and the critical role played by the CBN in ensuring that the 100 per cent target is achieved quickly, just as he pledged the backing of his ministry in ensuring that set targets are realised.
Cardoso, on his part, said the apex bank was doing a lot to accelerate financial inclusion across the country, particularly in underserved communities.
Represented by the Director of Strategy Management, Clement Buari, the CBN boss insisted that it is a moral and pragmatic obligation for the financial institution to take citizens out of the prison of deprivation.
Also present at the event were Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye; Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur; Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Umar Tafida and heads of government agencies.
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