National Economic Council Approves $617.7 to Fund Million i-DICE Initiative Nationwide
The National Economic Council (NEC) has announced its endorsement of a $617.7 million i-DICE initiative, intended to boost digital and creative enterprises across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. The NEC meeting was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, and attended by state governors and the FCT Minister. Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President’s spokesperson, provided a statement confirming the endorsement.
During the virtual 140th meeting, Vice President Shettima instructed state governors to nominate representatives for each geopolitical zone at the zonal level, as well as appoint focal persons to spearhead the programme’s implementation in their respective states.
The Vice President assured that as the scheme becomes operational in the coming weeks, implementation nationwide will be diligent, committed, and forthright.
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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.
