The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving full implementation of financial inclusion across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as a crucial step in enhancing economic development and alleviating poverty.
This statement came from Grace Ogbonna, the Director of Economic Research and Policy Management (ERPM) at the Federal Ministry of Finance, during the launch of a three-day training program for Batch 2 of Federal Ministry of Finance staff. The program, titled “Service-Wide Financial Literacy in the Workplace,” aims to promote financial inclusion.
Financial inclusion, a global priority, has been gaining increasing attention due to its pivotal role in economic growth and poverty reduction. Director Grace Ogbonna emphasized the need for a nationwide awareness campaign to address the limited knowledge of financial inclusion among a significant portion of Nigeria’s public employees.
In her remarks, Director Ogbonna outlined the primary objective of the program, stating, “The focus is to empower workers and equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial decisions, exercise financial discipline, and cultivate a culture of national saving, smart investment, and planned retirement for public sector employees.”
She urged participants to take the training seriously, emphasizing that it would not only benefit them personally but also enhance their contributions to their families and workplaces. In addition, she acknowledged the unwavering support of Okokon Udo, the Permanent Secretary of Finance, in the implementation of the program.
Director Ogbonna further pointed out that a substantial number of public sector employees tend to earn solely for immediate consumption, primarily due to their lack of financial literacy.
The Federal Ministry of Finance is dedicated to ensuring that financial inclusion becomes a pivotal element in the growth and development of the nation. The training program aims to equip public sector employees with the necessary financial knowledge and skills to drive a transformation towards a more financially inclusive and secure future for all.
