VP Shettima Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Bridging Financial Gaps, Achieving $1trn Economy

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to economic reforms that prioritize inclusive growth and bridging financial gaps across the country aimed at attaining the $1 trillion economy by year 2030.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI) on Monday, Shettima stressed the need for deliberate ideas and strategies to achieve Nigeria’s economic aspirations.

“Our road to a $1 trillion economy by 2030 shall remain a mere wish unless we lay a foundation strong enough to carry our dreams,” Shettima said.

“Dreams are not built on hope alone. They are the sum of deliberate ideas and strategies, inspired by our desire to win.”

The vice president noted that despite progress made since the launch of the Financial Inclusion Strategy in 2012, with inclusion rates improving from 60.3% to 74% as of 2023, millions of Nigerians remain locked out of the financial system.

He called on all stakeholders to support the government’s efforts to bridge financial gaps for the unbanked population.

The inauguration of PreCEFI is part of the federal government’s commitment to achieving a trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

The committee will operate through the Governance Committee (GovCo) and a Technical Committee (TechCo), supported by an Implementation Secretariat.

He added: “We welcome this investment as an opportunity to catalyse growth for our startups and MSMEs, create jobs, and propel Nigeria towards the $1 trillion economy target by 2030.

“This is not merely another government initiative. This is a higher calling—a national duty to bridge the economic divide and maximise the full potential of our people.

“The inauguration of this committee and the formalisation of this investment commitment reinforce President Tinubu’s pledge to an inclusive economy—a vision that has been endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC).”

IQS Africa is leading a consortium of core investors committed to providing essential infrastructure for the Aso Accord’s implementation.

The statement President/CEO of IQS, Mr. Emmanuel Itapson, praised President Tinubu’s exemplary leadership, saying, “No nation has ever achieved a great leap in its move towards greatness without a leadership that paints a vision that summons and harnesses the best and the most out of its people.”