Nigeria reaffirms commitment to financial inclusion via digital identity, smart regulation
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Minister of State for Finance Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, reiterated its dedication to expanding financial inclusion through digital identity systems and pro-growth regulatory frameworks at the Semafor Next 3 Billion Tour held in Abuja.
This was obtained in a statement shared on Thursday by the Ministry of Finance.
Uzoka-Anite emphasised, “Trust is the foundation of inclusion. With NIN and BVN strengthening identity verification, more Nigerians can be safely onboarded into the financial system.”
She further highlighted how mobile-first solutions and extensive agent banking networks are “lowering the barriers to access,” enabling people to transact and save within their communities without reliance on heavy infrastructure.
The Minister praised platforms like Moniepoint, OPAY, and PalmPay for accelerating daily transactions and integrating households and small businesses into the financial ecosystem.
She added, “Consumer credit reforms are being designed to help Nigerians not only spend but also earn and build assets over time.”
Recognising existing challenges, Uzoka-Anite acknowledged power, connectivity, and skills gaps but affirmed the government’s ongoing collaboration with ministries, regulators, and the private sector to address these issues. Reflecting on progress, she said, “Change can feel gradual, but days like today show the distance we have covered.”
The event, part of a global tour produced by Semafor and supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to turn global research on inclusion and connectivity into actionable policies.
