***⁴Uzoka-Anite: “Trust and technology are expanding real access for Nigerians.”
The Federal Government has restated its commitment to deepening financial inclusion through stronger digital identity systems, mobile-led innovation, and growth-friendly regulation that empowers everyday Nigerians.
The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, made this known at Semafor’s Next 3 Billion Tour, held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on Thursday.
The high-level dialogue — organised by Semafor in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — gathered policymakers, investors, and civil-society leaders to accelerate inclusion and connectivity across emerging economies. The Abuja event follows the New York edition held on the sidelines of the 2025 UN General Assembly, with other sessions scheduled across Africa and the Middle East.
Speaking on a panel moderated by Semafor’s Yinka Adegoke, Dr. Uzoka-Anite said reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda are already reshaping the financial landscape — linking identity, innovation, and trust.
“Trust is the foundation of inclusion. With NIN and BVN strengthening identity verification, more Nigerians can safely enter the financial system,” she said.
The Minister noted that mobile-first platforms and agent banking networks are lowering entry barriers for millions, allowing Nigerians to save, pay, and transact in their communities without dependence on physical bank branches.
She cited Moniepoint, OPay, PalmPay, and other digital wallets as examples of how innovation and smart regulation are expanding everyday financial use cases — from payments to remittances and small business transactions.
“When people can save safely within the financial system instead of keeping cash at home vulnerable to theft or disasters, they protect their income and strengthen long-term stability,” she explained.
“Our approach is people-centered — expanding connectivity, improving affordability, and keeping regulation smart so innovation can thrive responsibly.”
Dr. Uzoka-Anite commended the Central Bank of Nigeria and private-sector partners for strengthening payment infrastructure and widening agent coverage nationwide. She, however, acknowledged the continuing gaps in power, connectivity, and digital literacy, pledging stronger collaboration with relevant ministries and the private sector to close them.
“Change may feel gradual, but days like today show how far we’ve come,” she added. “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we’re linking policy to the digital tools Nigerians use daily to work, trade, and save.”
The Minister applauded Semafor and the Gates Foundation for sustaining global dialogue on financial access. The Next 3 Billion Tour draws from the Global Findex 2025 Report and Global Digital Connectivity Tracker, spotlighting practical pathways to inclusive economic growth.
With renewed focus on digital identity, fintech innovation, and enabling regulation, the Federal Government says Nigeria is poised to accelerate financial inclusion and build a more connected, productive economy for all.
rfe0bh