In a significant move aimed at advancing economic and financial inclusion across Nigeria, the federal government has signed the Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion with state governments and key stakeholders from the private sector. The signing ceremony took place during a two-day workshop held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with Vice President Kashim Shettima leading the charge.
Vice President Shettima, representing the federal government, emphasized the importance of delivering financial services at affordable costs to all Nigerians, particularly those in disadvantaged and low-income segments of society. This initiative seeks to bridge gaps in access to financial services and promote inclusivity in the nation’s economic landscape.
Accompanying Vice President Shettima at the signing ceremony were key government officials including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), signed the Accord on behalf of the states, while Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director/CEO of Sterling Bank PLC, represented the private sector by signing the pact.
In his address, Vice President Shettima called for a renewed commitment from state governors and other stakeholders in the nation’s economic and financial inclusion space. He stressed the importance of collaboration in forging a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Nigerians.
The workshop served as a platform for dialogue and strategizing on ways to enhance economic and financial inclusion nationwide.
