Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has launched a new consumer credit programme designed to help participants in its Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative acquire laptops and other digital devices through affordable financing, in a move aimed at expanding digital inclusion and strengthening Nigeria's technology workforce.
The initiative, known as Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D.), was unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The programme is intended to eliminate one of the biggest obstacles facing aspiring technology professionals—the high cost of laptops and other digital tools needed for training, remote work, innovation and entrepreneurship. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will be able to obtain approved digital devices through structured credit facilities, allowing them to spread payments over time instead of paying the full cost upfront.
According to government officials, the first phase of the initiative will focus on participants enrolled in the 3MTT programme, with priority given to locally assembled laptops. The decision is expected to support Nigeria's local manufacturing industry while making technology devices more accessible to young Nigerians seeking careers in the digital economy.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described access to affordable credit as an important tool for economic growth and national development. He said empowering young Nigerians with digital devices would strengthen their ability to acquire globally relevant skills, improve productivity and compete in the rapidly evolving global technology ecosystem.
He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's broader vision of building a digitally driven economy capable of creating employment opportunities, attracting investment and positioning Nigeria as a leading technology hub in Africa.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CREDICORP, Uzoma Nwagba, said the programme represents more than a financing initiative, describing it as an investment in Nigeria's human capital and future economic prosperity.
According to him, many talented Nigerians possess the determination to succeed but are unable to purchase the laptops and other digital tools required to complete training programmes or participate effectively in the digital economy. He explained that the C.L.I.C.K.D. initiative is designed to bridge that gap while promoting responsible borrowing and expanding access to formal consumer credit.
Nwagba also said beneficiaries who repay their loans as agreed will gradually build formal credit histories, improving their ability to access other financial services in the future.
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with several partners, including Fidelity Bank, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Imose Technologies, which is supplying the locally assembled laptops for the initiative.
At the official launch, the first batch of beneficiaries received their laptops as part of what government officials described as the beginning of a nationwide rollout expected to reach more participants in the coming months.
The C.L.I.C.K.D. initiative is closely linked to the Federal Government's Three Million Technical Talent programme, a flagship project aimed at equipping millions of Nigerians with practical skills in software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data science, product management and other emerging technology fields.
Officials believe providing participants with access to modern digital devices will improve learning outcomes, increase participation in virtual training programmes and create better opportunities for remote work, freelancing, innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
The initiative also forms part of the Federal Government's broader financial inclusion strategy, which seeks to expand access to responsible consumer credit while encouraging Nigerians to develop healthy credit histories through structured loan repayment.
Government officials expressed confidence that the programme would help bridge Nigeria's digital divide by ensuring that financial constraints no longer prevent talented young people from accessing the tools needed to develop valuable digital skills.
They added that by combining affordable credit with digital skills training and support for locally assembled technology products, the initiative is expected to contribute significantly to job creation, economic diversification and Nigeria's ambition to become one of Africa's leading digital economies.
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