Nigeria Identifies RegTech as Key to Financial Inclusion and Trusted Digital Economy

The Nigerian presidency, through its Technical Adviser on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Dr. Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, has articulated a forward-thinking vision for the nation's economic transformation. At the 2026 RegTech Africa Conference and Expo, the administration underscored its commitment to leveraging Regulatory Technology (RegTech) as a cornerstone for fostering financial inclusion and establishing a robust digital economy. This initiative is not merely about adopting new technologies; it represents a strategic pivot towards building a trusted digital ecosystem, a critical element for Nigeria's economic aspirations.

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RegTech is the intelligent bridge between innovation and accountability.

The presidency views RegTech as an "intelligent bridge between innovation and accountability." By integrating technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital identity systems, Nigeria aims to significantly bolster fraud detection capabilities, fortify consumer protection measures, and dismantle the existing barriers that prevent millions of citizens from accessing essential financial services. This approach aligns directly with President Bola Tinubu's "Renewed Hope Agenda," which prioritizes digital trust, transparency, and inclusive infrastructure as fundamental drivers for achieving ambitious economic goals.

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The world is witnessing a transformation where technology is no longer merely supporting governance; it is redefining it. Nations that succeed will not simply be those with natural resources, but those capable of building trusted digital ecosystems that expand opportunity for every citizen. Nigeria must be one of those nations.

Speaking at the conference, Dr. Zauro emphasized that Nigeria's future prosperity hinges on its ability to move beyond a traditional reliance on natural resources and instead position itself as a leader in building trusted digital ecosystems. The administration recognizes that a nation's strength in the modern era is increasingly defined by its capacity to create digital environments that expand opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of their background or location. This vision is crucial for ensuring that Nigeria can compete on the global stage and achieve its target of a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

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The journey towards a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030 will not be achieved by policy declarations alone. We must collectively build systems that are not only efficient but equitable.

The ongoing efforts under the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI) are designed to support this digital transformation. By focusing on digital public infrastructure, consumer trust frameworks, and inclusive onboarding systems, the administration seeks to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind due to geographical constraints, income levels, or a lack of formal identification. The message from the presidency is clear: collective action and strong partnerships among regulators, financial institutions, technology firms, and development partners are essential to build systems that are not only efficient but also equitable, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity.

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Effective regulation should enable innovation, not stifle growth