The Nigerian government has introduced a new consumer credit initiative aimed at helping citizens acquire essential digital tools, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, through affordable installment plans.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This program, officially titled the Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices Programme (C.L.I.C.K.D.), is being managed by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

The initiative was formally launched in Abuja on Tuesday by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and CREDICORP Managing Director/CEO, Uzoma Nwagba. The primary goal is to bridge the digital divide by making technology more accessible for education, professional work, business growth, and other technology-driven activities.

To support the local tech ecosystem, the scheme will prioritize locally assembled laptops.

Application Process

Interested individuals can apply via the official C.L.I.C.K.D. website at credicorp.ng/clickd by clicking the “I’m Interested” button to access the application form. Applicants are required to submit the following details:

• State of Residence: Selection from any of the 36 states or the FCT.

• Employment Status: Options include employed, freelancer, business owner, student, job seeker, or NYSC member.

• Monthly Income: An optional disclosure of income range.

• Digital Talent Programme: Indication of participation in specific digital skills programs (e.g., 3MTT, Andela, ALX, etc.).

• Device Needed: Selection of laptop, smartphone, or tablet.

• Reason for Need: Justification for the device, such as remote work, education, software development, or content creation.

• Source of Information: How the applicant heard about the program.

Before submission, applicants must consent to the accuracy of the information and agree to its use for eligibility assessment.

Pilot Phase and Eligibility

While the application form lists several digital talent communities, the initial phase of C.L.I.C.K.D. is a pilot targeting 1,000 fellows of the government’s Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme.

According to Nwagba, the rollout has begun in Abuja, with initial beneficiaries already receiving devices. Distribution to qualified individuals in other states will follow in phases, similar to the rollout strategy used for CREDICORP’s general consumer credit scheme in April 2024.

Although the application form references other communities like Andela, ALX Africa, and AltSchool Africa, it remains unclear if fellows from these external programs are included in the initial 1,000-unit pilot. Applicants outside the 3MTT cohort may need further clarification on specific eligibility criteria for this phase.

Furthermore, specific financial terms of the credit facility—such as interest rates, repayment duration, or required down payments—have not yet been disclosed.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has formally handed over extensive forfeited land in the Kaba District of Abuja to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). This transfer follows a final forfeiture order granted by the Federal High Court, identifying the properties as proceeds of illegal activity.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The handover ceremony, which took place on Tuesday at the Goodluck Jonathan Estate site, was led by ICPC Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, and FMBN Managing Director Shehu Usman Osidi.

Chairman Aliyu described the event as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s anti-corruption and asset recovery efforts. He explained that the land was originally designated for a 2012 FMBN housing project intended to deliver 962 units. However, the $65 million loan secured for the project by Good Earth Power Nigeria Limited and its American partners was completely diverted, with no construction undertaken. Instead, the funds were allegedly laundered through Bureaux de Change and transferred overseas.

Following successful civil proceedings, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of the two large plots in Cadastral Zone D12. The Court further directed that the land be transferred to the FMBN, the direct victim of the fraud.

As part of the court order, the ICPC and FMBN will now establish a joint committee to supervise the construction of the 962 housing units until their completion and eventual allocation to end users.

FMBN Managing Director Shehu Usman Osidi commended the ICPC for its diligence, noting that the recovery ensures this long-neglected public asset will finally be utilized for the benefit of Nigerian families.

Aloy Ejimakor, lead counsel for detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, has strongly condemned comments made by entrepreneur Chigozie Nnabugwu on News Central Television, where Nnabugwu reportedly called for Kanu’s extrajudicial killing to restore peace to the South-East. Ejimakor labeled the remarks reckless, irresponsible, and a direct threat to the rule of law and due process.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶