The Federal Government has unveiled a major initiative aimed at improving digital inclusion and expanding access to technology with the launch of the Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D.) Programme.
The initiative is expected to make laptops, internet-enabled devices and other essential digital tools more accessible to Nigerians through affordable consumer credit, particularly for students, young professionals, entrepreneurs and individuals seeking to improve their digital skills.
The programme, launched in Abuja, is being implemented by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. It forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to increase access to consumer credit, deepen financial inclusion, encourage responsible borrowing and equip more Nigerians with the technology needed to participate effectively in the country’s growing digital economy.
For years, the high cost of laptops and other digital devices has remained one of the biggest barriers preventing millions of Nigerians from acquiring the tools necessary for education, business and employment. Although internet connectivity has continued to improve across many parts of the country, many citizens still lack access to suitable devices capable of supporting online learning, remote work, software development and digital entrepreneurship.
The newly introduced C.L.I.C.K.D. Programme seeks to bridge this gap by providing structured financing that allows eligible Nigerians to acquire digital devices without paying the full cost upfront. Instead, beneficiaries will obtain laptops and related technology through affordable repayment plans designed to ease financial pressure while encouraging ownership of productive assets.
The initiative also aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda, which places strong emphasis on expanding access to consumer credit as a tool for economic growth. By enabling citizens to purchase productive equipment through financing rather than waiting to save the entire purchase amount, the government believes more people will be empowered to improve their livelihoods, generate income and contribute to national development.
One of the unique features of the programme is its initial focus on locally assembled laptops. Rather than relying solely on imported devices, the government intends to stimulate Nigeria’s local manufacturing industry by creating demand for products assembled within the country. This approach is expected to support indigenous technology companies, create employment opportunities, strengthen local supply chains and reduce dependence on imported electronics.
The programme was developed in collaboration with the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, a flagship digital skills initiative designed to equip millions of Nigerians with technology-related competencies. Officials explained that combining digital skills development with easier access to digital devices creates a stronger foundation for building a highly skilled workforce capable of competing in the global digital economy.
Speaking during the launch ceremony, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described access to affordable credit as one of the key drivers of sustainable economic development. According to him, individuals and businesses become more productive when they can easily acquire tools that improve efficiency and create new opportunities.
The minister commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting policies that promote financial inclusion and praised CREDICORP for developing an initiative that addresses both technology access and consumer financing. He noted that improving access to digital devices would not only benefit individuals but would also stimulate entrepreneurship, expand employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the administration’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
Tijani stressed that technology has become central to nearly every aspect of modern life, including education, healthcare, commerce, agriculture and governance. As more services migrate online, ensuring that Nigerians have access to computers and internet-enabled devices becomes increasingly important. He explained that the government’s investment in programmes such as C.L.I.C.K.D. demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the ongoing digital transformation.
He further noted that expanding access to affordable digital tools would encourage innovation among young Nigerians, many of whom already possess creative ideas but lack the equipment needed to transform those ideas into successful businesses. With better access to laptops and internet connectivity, he said more Nigerians would be able to participate in software development, digital content creation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analysis and other emerging sectors of the technology industry.
As part of the launch ceremony, the minister presented laptops symbolically to some beneficiaries, highlighting the government’s determination to move beyond policy announcements and begin practical implementation immediately.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CREDICORP, Uzoma Nwagba, disclosed that the corporation would distribute 1,000 locally assembled laptops to qualified participants under the first phase of the programme. He explained that the devices are intended to support learning, enhance productivity and improve access to technology-driven opportunities.
According to Nwagba, providing beneficiaries with laptops goes beyond simply supplying hardware. The initiative is designed to create long-term economic value by enabling users to develop digital competencies, access online educational resources, participate in virtual training programmes and compete for employment opportunities within Nigeria and internationally.
He emphasised that sourcing the laptops from local assemblers would simultaneously strengthen Nigeria’s technology manufacturing sector. Increased demand for locally assembled computers is expected to encourage investment, expand production capacity and create more jobs across different segments of the technology value chain.
Nwagba revealed that the first phase of distribution commenced in Abuja, where 77 beneficiaries received laptops, while the remaining devices would be distributed across various states in subsequent phases. He assured that the programme would continue expanding as more eligible Nigerians are enrolled.
Industry observers have welcomed the initiative as an important step toward addressing Nigeria’s digital divide. While internet penetration has grown steadily over the years, ownership of computers remains relatively low due to affordability challenges. Many students still rely on cybercafés or shared devices to complete academic assignments, while countless entrepreneurs struggle to operate digital businesses without reliable computers.
Experts believe that easier access to laptops could improve educational outcomes by allowing students to participate in online classes, conduct research, complete assignments and acquire digital certifications. Professionals and small business owners are also expected to benefit through improved productivity, access to online marketplaces, remote work opportunities and digital financial services.
The initiative could further strengthen Nigeria’s growing technology ecosystem by increasing the number of people equipped to participate in software engineering, digital marketing, graphic design, programming, animation, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other technology-driven careers. As demand for digital services continues to rise globally, equipping Nigerians with the right tools could improve the country’s competitiveness and create additional sources of foreign exchange through remote work and technology exports.
Beyond individual benefits, the programme also reinforces the Federal Government’s long-term vision of building a digitally inclusive economy where access to technology is no longer determined solely by income. By combining affordable consumer credit with local manufacturing and digital skills development, the C.L.I.C.K.D. Programme represents a comprehensive effort to remove financial barriers that have prevented many Nigerians from fully participating in the digital age.
If successfully implemented and expanded nationwide, the initiative could transform access to technology for thousands of Nigerians, strengthen local innovation, promote financial inclusion and accelerate the country’s journey toward becoming one of Africa’s leading digital economies. Through affordable financing, strategic partnerships and sustained investment in local production, the government hopes the programme will empower more citizens with the tools they need to learn, work, innovate and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s future economic growth.
