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.