The federal government has launched a task force to address delays in the disbursement of conditional cash transfers to 15 million vulnerable households, as part of efforts to accelerate economic and financial inclusion.

The initiative was announced at the inaugural meeting of the Technical Committee of the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI) held in Abuja.

Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), said the inter-agency approach aims to eliminate bottlenecks in the implementation of President Tinubu’s financial inclusion agenda.

“Financial inclusion goes beyond owning a bank account—it’s about access to quality financial services, credit, and digital visibility,” Hadejia said.

He cited discussions at the recent World Bank Spring Meetings, noting India’s success in reducing poverty through inclusive financial policies.

The committee’s Secretary, Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, confirmed that the roadmap and governance structure for PreCEFI have been approved.

Agencies on the task force include the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

The group will also work with state governments to localise data from the EFInA Access to Financial Services survey, enabling targeted interventions at the grassroots level.

NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote highlighted the centrality of digital identity in bridging economic gaps. “The NIN connects individuals to services in health, education, agriculture, and finance,” she said.

CBN’s Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion, Dr. Aisha Isa-Olatinwo, stressed the importance of focusing on practical outcomes for Nigerians at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

Professor Olayinka David-West, Dean of Lagos Business School, said the session identified key barriers to delivering on the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, urging collaborative problem-solving.

Other participating organisations included NITDA, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NCC, BOI, the Gates Foundation, ABU Zaria, traditional rulers, and Google.