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New consumer credit initiative gives Nigerians affordable access to laptops, smartphones and digital tools, boosting skills, jobs and local technology production
The Federal Government has unveiled a new consumer credit initiative aimed at making laptops, smartphones and other digital devices more affordable for millions of Nigerians, in what experts describe as a significant step toward accelerating digital inclusion, expanding technology skills, and strengthening the country’s digital economy.
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The Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D.) Programme, launched by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, is designed to eliminate the high upfront cost of acquiring technology devices through structured and affordable financing.
The initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to democratise access to consumer credit, deepen financial inclusion, support local technology manufacturing and enable more Nigerians to participate productively in the digital economy.
Initially targeted at participants in the government’s Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the scheme is expected to expand to other workers, entrepreneurs and digital professionals nationwide.
Affordable Technology Financing to Bridge Nigeria’s Digital Divide
For many Nigerians, the cost of laptops and other digital devices remains a major barrier to acquiring digital skills, remote work opportunities and technology-enabled jobs.
Through the C.L.I.C.K.D. programme, eligible applicants can obtain financing for:
- Locally assembled laptops
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Internet-enabled learning devices
- Other approved digital productivity tools
Rather than making large one-time payments, beneficiaries will repay through structured credit arrangements provided by participating financial institutions.
The initiative also prioritises devices assembled in Nigeria, supporting indigenous technology manufacturing while creating jobs across the local electronics value chain.
Digital Credit Ecosystem to Drive Economic Growth
Speaking during the launch in Abuja, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described access to responsible consumer credit as a critical foundation for national economic development.
According to him, countries with mature credit systems empower citizens to invest in productive assets that improve livelihoods, increase productivity and stimulate entrepreneurship.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and CREDICORP for championing a programme that aligns with Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy through digital transformation, innovation and technology-driven growth.
The minister noted that expanding access to affordable financing would enable more Nigerians to acquire the tools needed for education, remote work, software development, digital entrepreneurship and participation in the global knowledge economy.
CREDICORP to Distribute 1,000 Locally Assembled Laptops
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CREDICORP, Uzoma Nwagba, announced that the corporation will begin the rollout with 1,000 locally assembled laptops for eligible 3MTT fellows across the country.
The first phase has already commenced in Abuja, where 77 beneficiaries received laptops, while the remaining devices will be distributed across other states in subsequent phases.
According to Nwagba, beyond improving access to digital learning, the programme supports Nigeria’s local manufacturing ecosystem by promoting indigenous laptop assembly and reducing dependence on imported devices.
He added that beneficiaries would be better positioned to access technology training, freelance opportunities, remote employment and digital entrepreneurship.
How the C.L.I.C.K.D. Programme Works: Step-by-Step Application Guide
Eligible applicants can apply for device financing through the official C.L.I.C.K.D. digital platform by following these steps:
Step 1: Visit the C.L.I.C.K.D. Portal
Access the official CREDICORP C.L.I.C.K.D. registration portal and click the “I’m Interested” option.
Step 2: Complete Registration
Provide your personal details, including:
- Full name
- Email address
- State of residence
- Contact information
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
Link your digital identity by providing your:
- National Identification Number (NIN), or
- Bank Verification Number (BVN)
This helps verify applicants and facilitates responsible credit assessment.
Step 4: Select Your Programme Category
Choose your applicable digital ecosystem or workforce category, including:
- 3MTT
- ALX
- Andela
- Other approved digital talent programmes
Step 5: Choose a Lending Partner
Select one of the participating financial institutions that will process your credit application and repayment schedule.
Step 6: Credit Assessment
Your application undergoes verification based on eligibility, identity validation and repayment capability.
Step 7: Loan Approval and Device Distribution
Successful applicants receive approval, after which laptops or other approved devices are distributed through designated collection centres.
Step 8: Build Your National Credit Profile
Repayments made under the programme contribute to building a formal national credit history, potentially improving future access to financing.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants are expected to meet basic eligibility conditions, including:
- Participation in approved digital talent programmes or verifiable employment
- Valid National Identification Number (NIN) or BVN
- Verifiable source of income where applicable
- Ability to meet agreed repayment obligations
Supporting Nigeria’s Local Technology Manufacturing
One of the programme’s most strategic features is its emphasis on locally assembled digital devices.
Rather than relying exclusively on imported hardware, C.L.I.C.K.D. prioritises products manufactured within Nigeria, including devices assembled through indigenous technology hubs such as the NASENI Innovation Hub, Imose Technologies, and other local partners.
This approach is expected to stimulate domestic electronics manufacturing, encourage technology transfer, create skilled jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity.
Implications for Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Industry analysts say the initiative could have far-reaching implications beyond device ownership.
Greater Digital Inclusion
Affordable financing removes one of the biggest barriers preventing millions of Nigerians from accessing digital tools needed for education, remote work and online business.
Expanded Technology Skills
The programme complements initiatives such as 3MTT by ensuring participants possess the hardware required to complete training and develop marketable digital skills.
Growth of Consumer Credit
The scheme also supports the Federal Government’s ambition of building a modern consumer credit ecosystem where responsible borrowing becomes a tool for economic empowerment rather than financial distress.
Boost for Local Manufacturing
Prioritising Nigerian-assembled laptops creates demand for indigenous manufacturers, encourages investment in local production and reduces dependence on imported technology products.
Job Creation
Beyond manufacturing, increased device ownership could stimulate employment across software development, ICT services, logistics, retail technology, repairs and digital entrepreneurship.
Improved Financial Inclusion
As beneficiaries establish formal repayment records, many could build stronger credit profiles that improve access to future loans for education, housing or business expansion.
A Building Block for Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy
The launch of the C.L.I.C.K.D. Programme reflects the Federal Government’s growing emphasis on combining digital transformation with financial inclusion to unlock economic opportunities.
By making technology more accessible through structured consumer credit while simultaneously supporting local manufacturing and digital skills development, the initiative addresses multiple national priorities—from employment and innovation to productivity and economic diversification.
As implementation expands beyond the initial 3MTT cohort, the programme has the potential to become one of Nigeria’s most impactful digital inclusion initiatives, enabling more citizens to participate meaningfully in the country’s evolving digital economy.
