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Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged development partners and other stakeholders to address systemic inequalities and foster an inclusive financial system that benefits all Nigerians, regardless of gender or geography.
He made this call on Wednesday at the inaugural Development Partners Roundtable on Economic and Financial Inclusion held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Highlighting significant gaps requiring urgent attention, Shettima noted the low penetration of digital financial services among women. He attributed these disparities to socio-economic barriers such as low incomes, limited education, and restricted access to financial tools like credit and insurance.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Shettima warned that Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030 would remain unattainable unless the private sector and development partners are fully involved.
He stated:
“We have made progress by continuously assessing the state of economic and financial inclusion in Nigeria. However, the findings reveal troubling gaps that demand urgent attention. One such gap is the low penetration of digital financial services among women—only 23%, compared to 43% for men.
“This disparity stems from socio-economic barriers such as low income, limited education, and restricted access to financial tools like credit and insurance. Women in the northwest and northeast are particularly disadvantaged. The task before us is clear: to bridge these systemic inequalities and create an equitable financial system that serves all Nigerians, regardless of gender or geography.”
Shettima expressed optimism that the roundtable would serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and pave the way for a future where all Nigerians are fully integrated into the financial system.
He continued:
“This roundtable presents another important opportunity to harness our collective potential and chart a sustainable path forward. It is designed to offer a comprehensive view of the obstacles to economic and financial inclusion in Nigeria.
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“As we engage in discussions today, I urge everyone to collaborate and align efforts in crafting lasting solutions. Whatever actions we take as a government cannot fully succeed unless we work closely with development partners, the private sector, and all stakeholders committed to progress.”
The Vice President announced the inauguration of a Presidential Committee for the Implementation of the Aso Accord to ensure the success of initiatives championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, to ensure the success of the transformative initiatives spearheaded by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am pleased to announce the inauguration of a Presidential Committee for the Implementation of the Aso Accord.
“I am honored to chair this Governance Committee, which will primarily consist of the signatories to the Aso Accord, reflecting our shared commitment to its success. The Committee will be supported by a dedicated secretariat housed within the Office of the Vice President,” he said.
Shettima further noted that since April, discussions on economic and financial inclusion have been prioritized at the National Economic Council (NEC). He assured that the Committee would provide quarterly updates to NEC on the framework’s implementation and progress.
“Once again, I call on all development partners here today to collaborate with this team to ensure the successful implementation of the Aso Accord. Your technical expertise and continued support are crucial to accelerating the execution of specific programs and initiatives. None of us can achieve this alone,” he emphasized.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, speaking on behalf of subnational governments, commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership. He noted that the successes recorded in the economic and other sectors indicate that Nigeria is on the right track. Ewhrudjakpo stressed the importance of including rural communities in development plans to promote inclusivity.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, called for effective strategies to integrate farmers, petty traders, and financially disadvantaged groups into the financial inclusion program to achieve its objectives.
Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, highlighted the ministry’s significant role in providing financial interventions. He assured beneficiaries of accountability and transparency in implementing initiatives like Conditional Cash Transfer and School Feeding, emphasizing their alignment with social justice and environmental protection.
Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, described the roundtable as a defining moment for Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy.
“Today’s gathering marks a pivotal point in our collective journey to create a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria. In this hall, we have stakeholders united by a shared commitment to transforming lives through inclusive economic and financial systems,” he stated.
Dr. Zauro added that the Aso Accord serves as a blueprint for unlocking Nigeria’s full potential, driving socio-economic growth, and building a resilient future for all Nigerians.
The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, praised Nigeria’s reforms as achievable and commended the implementation of the Aso Accord. She also called for increased support for women and MSMEs.
