In a strategic move to drive Nigeria’s economic reforms, the federal government has mandated the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI) to oversee the implementation of the Aso Accord.
The committee, inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima on February 10 is tasked with providing high-level strategic guidance to ensure inclusive economic growth and bridge financial gaps nationwide.
The establishment of PreCEFI aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to achieving a trillion-dollar economy.
To achieve this, the committee has been structured into two subcommittees: the Governance Committee (GovCo) and the Technical Implementation Committee (TechCo), supported by an implementation secretariat.
Chaired by Vice President Shettima, with Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, as Deputy Chairman, the Governance Committee (GovCo) is responsible for strategic oversight.
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The committee will ensure that economic and financial inclusion (EFI) initiatives are aligned with national development strategies, approve policy frameworks, and facilitate resource mobilization.
The committee’s key responsibilities include setting performance targets, monitoring progress, and acting as a liaison between the National Economic Council and EFI agencies.
Members include Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Governors of Enugu and Kaduna States, Peter Mbah and Uba Sani, respectively; Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Olatunbosun Tijani.
Others are Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and the Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, among others.
The Technical Implementation Committee (TechCo), chaired by Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Inuwa Abdullahi, is responsible for operationalizing the strategic direction set by GovCo.
Deputy Governor of Financial System Stability at the Central Bank, Philip Ikeazor, serves as Deputy Chairman.
TechCo will design and implement frameworks for EFI initiatives, monitor budget compliance and timelines, drive technological integration, and advise GovCo on alignment with the Aso Accord’s objectives.
Other members include the heads of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), along with private sector representatives such as Stephen Ambore and Modupe Ladipo.
The PreCEFI Secretariat, led by Technical Advisor to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Nurudeen Zauro, will coordinate activities between GovCo and TechCo while liaising with stakeholders.
Other members of the secretariat include Stephen Ambore (Deputy Head), Kyuka Ibrahim Avong (Director of Digital Enablement), and Abdulfarid Yusuf O (Director of Strategy & Advocacy).
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The committee is also supported by technical and research advisors, including Olayinka David-West from Lagos Business School and Prof. Nasir Abdullahi from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Traditional leaders such as Emir of Shonga, Haliru Yahaya Ndanusa, and High Chief Temitope Fawehinmi, Gbajeniyi of Egbaland, have also been appointed as EFI Ambassadors.
