The Federal Government has launched a consumer credit scheme to enable beneficiaries of its Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme to acquire laptops and other digital devices through affordable financing.
The initiative, known as Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D.), was unveiled in Abuja by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
Under the pilot phase, 1,000 locally assembled laptops will be made available to eligible 3MTT fellows through the Learn2Earn platform, with 77 beneficiaries receiving devices at the launch. Fidelity Bank will administer the credit facility, while the laptops will be assembled by NASENI and Imose Technologies.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the initiative will equip Nigerians with both the digital skills and the tools needed to participate in the country’s growing digital economy, while also supporting local manufacturing.
CREDICORP Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Uzoma Nwagba, said the programme removes the upfront cost of acquiring digital devices, promotes responsible consumer credit and advances the government’s industrial development and job creation agenda.
The corporation said the scheme will later be expanded beyond the 3MTT programme to include other internet-enabled devices and digital tools for working Nigerians through partnerships with more financial institutions, technology firms and other stakeholders.