FG launches initiative to achieve $1 trillion economy by 2030
By Kunle Sanni
The federal government has unveiled a comprehensive initiative focused on Economic and Financial Inclusion, aimed at propelling Nigeria towards a one trillion dollar economy by 2030,
This ambitious project, part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to combat poverty and foster sustainable economic growth from the grassroots level.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at the initiative’s kick-off meeting on Wednesday, emphasized its pivotal role in enhancing financial access and economic opportunities across Nigeria.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, highlighting initiatives like the Aso Accord on Economic and Financial Inclusion, unveiled earlier this year.
“The Aso Accord represents a cornerstone of our strategy to transform Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2030,” VP Shettima stated.
He pointed out the positive economic indicators, including Nigeria’s upgraded credit outlook, as testament to the administration’s reform efforts.
During the meeting, Dr. Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, Technical Advisor to the President on Financial Inclusion, highlighted significant strides in implementing the Aso Accord and various initiatives aimed at expanding financial access nationwide.
He credited Vice President Shettima for his support in the accord’s signing and ongoing implementation, noting that discussions on financial inclusion have now reached the highest levels of government, including the National Economic Council (NEC).
“Since its inception, the Aso Accord has received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through the Lagos Business School,” Dr. Zauro reported.
He emphasized efforts in setting up operational models and legal frameworks aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, involving partners like Augmentum Advisory, Banwo & Ighodalo, and Ndarani (SAN) & CO.
Dr. Zauro disclosed plans for capacity-building initiatives and high-profile training sessions for key officials to enhance practical knowledge on financial inclusion.
In her remarks, Prof. Olayinka David-West, Project Manager at the Lagos Business School, praised the Tinubu administration for prioritizing economic and financial inclusion through the Aso Accord.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts to establish a robust legal framework and ensure national coordination to drive financial inclusion initiatives across Nigeria.
The engagement with Vice President Shettima aims to mobilize relevant authorities and stakeholders in support of the initiative.
Other attendees included Mr. Fasasi Sarafadeen, National President of the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN), Dr. Nkemdilim Iheanachor, Senior Lecturer at Lagos Business School, Mr. Kolajo Ajibola from Augmentum Advisory, and Mr. Stephen Abure, Project Team Lead, among others.
