The Presidency has opened registration for a nationwide program to train 10 million Nigerians in financial literacy and inclusion, a major effort to boost economic participation across the country.
The initiative, a key part of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, will provide free training in financial skills, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and other competencies essential for wealth creation and improved livelihoods. Registration is being coordinated by WAWUAfrica, with participants expected to register through its dedicated portal.
Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima formally launched the registration during a virtual meeting with the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), six professional bodies, and key development partners, including the World Bank, African Union, ECOWAS, and the National Information Technology Development Agency.
Represented by the president’s special adviser on economic affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, Shettima called the initiative “a transformative intervention” that could position Nigeria as a global reference point for financial inclusion.
“The program is designed not only to empower millions of Nigerians but also to show how large-scale human capital development can drive inclusive growth,” Shettima said. “This upskilling initiative will stand out as one of the defining programs of this administration, with the potential to evolve into a global model from Nigeria.”
The training will cover multiple sectors, including digital and IT literacy, financial and economic literacy, healthcare and wellness, creative industries, entrepreneurship, vocational trades, engineering, and hospitality and tourism.
Shettima praised the collaboration between the government and development partners, noting that sustained partnerships would be critical to expanding the program’s reach and impact.
“We expect this initiative to continue scaling through stronger collaboration until it achieves maximum impact,” he said.
Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, technical adviser to the president on economic and financial inclusion, said the program is entirely free and warned against attempts to exploit participants.
“This training is free of charge. No one should be asked to pay any fee. We are ensuring citizens are properly guided on how to register and participate successfully,” he said.
Development partners and participating professional bodies pledged to ensure the training delivers practical, high-value skills while maintaining transparency, credibility, and accountability in the registration process.
The program builds on a February 2026 memorandum of understanding signed by PreCEFI with six professional bodies to develop structured training, certification pathways, mentorship platforms, and digital skills programs. Partner institutions include the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, National Institute of Credit Administration, Chartered Risk Management Institute, and Nigeria Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
The initiative will prioritize women and youths, equipping them with financial knowledge, investment skills, and digital capabilities to drive sustainable wealth creation and broader economic inclusion.
