Federal Government, Other Key Stakeholders Sign Accord For Financial Inclusion

The federal government and state governments with other key stakeholders from the private sector on Thursday signed the Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion, aiming to provide affordable financial services, especially to disadvantaged and low-income Nigerians.

During the two-day workshop for Economic and Financial Inclusion at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Aso Accord pact was signed by 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 on behalf of the federal government.

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Governor AbdulRahman Abdul Razaq of Kwara State signed the pact on behalf of state governments while the Managing Director/CEO of Sterling Bank PLC Abubakar Suleiman inked the accord on behalf of the private sector.

The Office of the Technical Advisor to the President on Financial Inclusion (part of the Vice President's office) was responsible for hosting the workshop. During the opening ceremony, Shettima urged state governors and other stakeholders to double their efforts towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Nigerians.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's "economic recovery strategy lies a multifaceted approach aimed at rescuing the economy through various means," the vice president said, as per the official statement.

He further explained that job creation, ensuring food security, eradicating extreme poverty, and, notably, facilitating access to capital are the forms of foundation on which the country will prosper.

"They also demonstrate our resolve to reinvent a system where economic empowerment is not just a dream but a tangible reality for all," he said, expressing his "heartfelt commendation to all the esteemed individuals who have been pivotal in advancing the cause of financial inclusion in Nigeria."

Talking about the accord, the vice president said it "symbolizes a renewed and active commitment from all leaders in the economic and financial inclusion space, affirming our collective resolve to forge a more inclusive and prosperous future for every Nigerian."

Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of The Vice President) Hassan Hadejia also spoke during the workshop, explaining that the expectations are high from the stakeholders as among other things, there is a need to interrogate the rising gender gap in financial inclusion.