March 24, (THEWILL)- The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed the implementation of the $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) programme across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The approval was given during the 140th meeting of the National Executive Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, according to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President’s spokesperson.
The Vice President assured that as the scheme becomes operational in the coming weeks, implementation nationwide will be diligent, committed, and forthright.
In his opening remarks, Sen. Shettima pledged the government’s commitment to ensuring citizens benefit from promised opportunities. He emphasized the priority placed on skill acquisition and job creation, aligning with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, which emphasizes dignified livelihoods for Nigerians.
He said, “But two things are clear: one, we won’t ever regret paving the way for the acquisition of skills that meet the needs of the global markets; two, our actions today will shape the economic landscape of tomorrow, and so it’s incumbent upon us to ensure that we leave a legacy of prosperity and opportunity for all Nigerians.
“When we empower entrepreneurs and small business owners, we unlock the potential for innovation, job creation, and economic growth. By providing access to financing, training, and mentorship programs, we unleash the entrepreneurial spirit that lies within every Nigerian, catalysing a wave of economic prosperity that benefits us all. We cannot achieve this without inclusivity and equitable access to opportunities. This is the ladder we must offer to every disadvantaged citizen.”
The Vice President highlighted that the government has progressed from discussions to the implementation phase, actively pursuing short-term objectives as part of its journey towards achieving medium and long-term strategies.
During his presentation on the i-DICE programme, Mr. Shekarau Omar, the Executive Director overseeing SMEs at the Bank of Industry, stated that the i-DICE programme, aims to fulfill the commitment made by the Tinubu administration to generate millions of jobs in the technology sector.
About the Author
Sam Diala is a Bloomberg Certified Financial Journalist with over a decade of experience in reporting Business and Economy. He is Business Editor at THEWILL Newspaper, and believes that work, not wishes, creates wealth.
