Business

Harmonization Of APRM, 2ND NPoA Will boost MSME growth in Nigeria

Published

4 years ago

April 25, 2022

Finance Minister

By Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Minister of State of Finance, Budget and National planning Prince Clem Agba has disclosed that, Harmonization and Finalization of Monitoring and Evaluation Framework For implementation of 2^nd National Programme of Action NPoA) will help build a strong foundation for a concentrically diversified economy with robust MSME growth.

Minister who was represented at the occasion by the Mr. Peter Adeosun stated this on Monday in Abuja at the 5 days African Peer Review Mechanism APRM capacity building workshop for stakeholders for Harmonization and Finalization of Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for implementation of 2^nd National Programme of Action NPoA).

According to him, the Plan is to ensure that Nigeria unlocks its potential in all sectors of the economy for a sustainable, holistic and inclusive national development.

“It seeks to, among others; invest massively in social infrastructure and services to alleviate poverty; establish a strong foundation for a concentrically diversified economy with robust MSME growth and a more resilient business environment; invest in critical physical, financial, digital and innovation infrastructure; and build a solid framework and enhance capacities to strengthen security and ensure good governance.

“Specifically, the Plan aims to generate 21 million full time jobs and lift 35 million people out of poverty by 2025, thus, setting the stage for achieving the current Administration’s commitment to lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years.”

He added that: “the Ministry, in line with its mandate and Presidential approval, is in the process of finalizing the development of the Nigeria Agenda 2050, which is the country’s Perspective Development Plan to replace the Nigeria Vision 20:2020.

“The approach to the development process of these Plans is very unique and home-grown and took into account Nigeria’s international and regional economic commitments.

“The National Development Plan 2021-2025 for the first in our history has three volumes, which included the Policies and Strategies, coasted programs and projects as well as legal and legislatives imperatives, with the enabling laws that will be passed or amended for effective implementation of the Plans.”

“It is important to note that the APRM National Programme of Action’s (NPOA) Monitoring and Evaluation Framework is aligned with the national M&E framework in the National Development Plan, 2021-2025. I urge other stakeholders, Development Partners and MDAS to mainstream and harmonize their sectorial Plans and country strategies in line with the priorities of government as embedded in the Plan to ensure full implementation of the Plan.”

He assured that, the Ministry will continued support African Peer Review Mechanism to ensure that Nigeria delivers on her development aspirations including, bilateral, multilateral and regional economic commitments.

In her welcome addressed, the CEO, AUDA -NEPAD/APRM Nigeria Princess Gloria Akobundu commended the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders which she believe will leave a milestone in the implementation of the new (NPoA)

She said: “This program is geared towards the “Harmonization and Finalization” of the NPoA framework to address the challenges identified in the Second County Review Report (CRR) and carry out national capacity building on “Monitoring and Evaluation framework” for the effective implementation of the National Programme of Action (NPoA).

“It is, therefore, critical to engage the Implementers for better information, understating and ownership of the NPoA for effective implementation hence, the need for public sectors, MDAs, Civil Society organizations, organized private sectors, states and local government’s participation in this timely workshop.

“The primary objective of NPoA is to guide and mobilize the country’s efforts in implementing needed changes to improve its state of governance and accelerate its economic development.”

“Its therefore atmost importance that significant issues are addressed to enable full realization of the goal of the NPoA framework. Having successfully conducted the country self-assessment which produced the Country Self Assessment Report and the Country Review Report (CRR) prior to the successful validation by the Country Review Mission (CRM) led by APRM Panel of Eminent Person and Continental Secretariat, Nigeria is currently drafting its National Programme of Action taking into consideration all the APRM Panel of Eminent Person’s recommendations as well as all the overarching issues.

“The document consequently, is expected to be harmonized in line with the global SDGs 2030, AU-Agenda 2063 and Nigeria’s National Development Plan for smooth implementation in line with global best practices”

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Business

FG, Investonaire Academy Unveil National Programme to Equip 100,000 Youths with Financial Skills, Digital Wealth Tools

Published

5 days ago

November 25, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government, in collaboration with Investonaire Academy, has unveiled a nationwide financial literacy and wealth-building programme targeting more than 100,000 young Nigerians. The initiative is designed to equip participants with practical skills in budgeting, saving, investing, asset building, and long-term financial planning, positioning them for sustainable prosperity in a rapidly evolving economy.

Launched on Tuesday in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described financial literacy as a necessary survival tool for young people confronting today’s economic realities.

He noted that the initiative represents the foundation of a broader vision expected to extend beyond Nigeria to other African nations and global markets.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting over 4,000 corps members annually, the Minister said the programme will provide platforms, resources, and skills needed for both job creation and employability.

“The young people who understand money — how to save, invest, build assets, and manage risk — are the ones who will lead Nigeria into prosperity,” he said.

A major highlight of the launch was the expansion of the Nigeria Youth Academy, a digital platform offering mentorship, training, and startup support. According to the Minister, more than 200 startups will receive empowerment through the Academy’s e-app platform before the end of the year.

He stressed the need for deeper collaboration with private organisations, innovators, and youth-focused groups, noting that government alone cannot drive youth development. He further encouraged young Nigerians to embrace skills acquisition, innovation, and digital enterprise, saying these remain critical to reducing the desire for migration and increasing self-reliance.

Outlining the Ministry’s long-term commitments, Olawande emphasized three priorities: supporting youth innovation, equipping them with growth tools, and safeguarding millions of Nigerian youths under the Ministry’s mandate.

Speaking at the launch, Sebastien Sicre, Chief Operating Officer of Investonaire Academy, said the programme was crafted to revolutionize the way Nigerian youths learn and apply financial knowledge. He highlighted the Academy’s gamified Learning Management System (LMS), which offers interactive learning tools, community forums, and real-time mentorship to make financial education engaging and accessible.

Complementing the digital platform is a new 200-square-metre physical training centre in Abuja, opposite the NNPC Towers, where in-person workshops and mentorship sessions will take place.

The curriculum covers key global asset classes — including equities, commodities, forex, and indices — ensuring participants gain a broad understanding of financial markets.

Sicre added that with Federal Government backing, the programme seeks to unlock new opportunities, strengthen youth participation in the digital economy, and reward outstanding participants through a $1 million funding pool to support new and existing ventures.

International Programme Director of Investonaire Academy, Dr. Enefola Odiba, explained that the initiative aims to bridge long-standing gaps in financial education among Nigerian youths. While schools teach many subjects, he said, essential financial skills are often missing.

“Many people can earn money — earning money can be easy. The real challenge is retaining, managing, and growing that money,” he noted.
Referencing the Central Bank of Nigeria’s definition of financial literacy, Odiba stated that implementation remains a major national challenge. He said the initiative brings together government agencies, youth groups, academic institutions, and private-sector partners to translate strategy into measurable impact.

The programme’s curriculum covers budgeting, saving, investing, and financial planning — areas where many young people struggle. By offering practical training, real-world insights, and guided mentorship, the initiative aims to build a generation of financially empowered youth capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth.

With this partnership, the Federal Government and Investonaire Academy share a common goal: to empower young Nigerians with the financial intelligence and digital tools needed to build wealth, grow businesses, and transform the nation’s economic future.

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