FG launches consumer credit scheme for laptops, digital devices

The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has launched a financing scheme to provide affordable consumer credit for laptops and other digital devices to beneficiaries of the federal government’s three million technical talent (3MTT) programme.

The initiative, known as Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D) was unveiled in Abuja in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

According to a statement by the corporation, the programme will initially provide 1,000 locally assembled laptops to eligible 3MTT fellows through the Learn2Earn platform with 77 beneficiaries receiving devices at the launch ceremony.

CrediCorp added that Fidelity Bank will serve as the credit administration partner while the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Imose Technologies will assemble the laptops.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the initiative is designed to ensure Nigerians have access to both digital skills and the tools required to participate in the country’s growing digital economy.

“Nigeria’s digital economy can only thrive when our people have both the skills and the tools to succeed,” Tijani said.

“Through C.L.I.C.K.D., we are helping qualifying Nigerians participate more fully in the opportunities created by the 3MTT initiative while strengthening local manufacturing through the use of locally assembled devices.”

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CREDICORP, Uzoma Nwagba, said the scheme removes the upfront cost of acquiring digital devices while promoting responsible consumer credit and local manufacturing.

“C.L.I.C.K.D. transforms digital devices from a barrier into an opportunity. By embedding affordable consumer credit into a national talent programme like 3MTT, starting with locally assembled laptops, we are giving qualifying Nigerians a responsible pathway to the tools they need to learn, work and earn, while advancing the federal government’s vision for industrial development and job creation on both sides,” Nwagba said.

CREDICORP said the initiative is its flagship device financing programme and will subsequently be expanded beyond the 3MTT programme to cover other categories of internet-enabled devices and digital tools for working Nigerians.

The Corporation added that it plans to work with additional financial institutions, device manufacturers, technology vendors, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), training institutions and other partners to scale access to affordable digital devices nationwide.