The Federal Government has unveiled a new consumer credit initiative aimed at helping Nigerians acquire laptops, smartphones, tablets and other digital devices through flexible payment plans.
The programme, known as the Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D.) Programme, enables eligible Nigerians to obtain digital devices on credit and repay the cost in installments instead of making full upfront payments.
The initiative is being implemented by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The scheme was officially launched on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, alongside the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CREDICORP, Uzoma Nwagba.
According to the Federal Government, the programme is designed to improve access to digital tools and support Nigerians who require laptops, smartphones and tablets for education, remote work, business, software development, content creation and other technology-driven activities.
Locally Assembled Laptops Prioritised
CREDICORP said the scheme will initially focus on locally assembled laptops as part of efforts to promote local manufacturing and strengthen Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
Beneficiaries will be able to receive approved devices and spread repayment over an agreed period, making digital tools more accessible to students, professionals, entrepreneurs and freelancers.
Applicants can indicate whether they require a laptop, smartphone, tablet or another digital device and state the purpose for which it will be used.
Accepted reasons include:
- Learning and professional certifications
- Work and remote work
- Freelancing
- Business expansion
- School activities
- Software development
- Content creation
How to Apply for the C.L.I.C.K.D. Programme
Interested Nigerians can apply through the official C.L.I.C.K.D. portal.
To complete the application, applicants will be required to provide the following information:
- State of residence
- Employment status (employed, freelancer, business owner, student, job seeker or NYSC member)
- Monthly income (optional)
- Membership of a recognised digital talent programme
- Preferred digital device
- Reason for requesting the device
- How they heard about the programme
Applicants must also:
- Confirm that the information provided is accurate.
- Agree to be contacted regarding their application.
- Consent to CREDICORP and its partners using their information to assess eligibility.
After completing the required fields and accepting the consent terms, the application can be submitted for review.
First Phase Targets 3MTT Fellows
For now, the programme’s first phase consists of a 1,000-laptop pilot targeted primarily at participants in the Federal Government’s Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme.
According to CREDICORP Managing Director, Uzoma Nwagba, the pilot rollout began in Abuja, where 77 beneficiaries have already received their laptops.
He added that the remaining devices will be distributed to qualified beneficiaries across other states in phases.
The phased implementation mirrors the approach adopted when CREDICORP launched its flagship consumer credit scheme in April 2024, which initially served federal civil servants before expanding to other Nigerians.
Other Programmes Listed
Although official announcements have focused on 3MTT participants, the C.L.I.C.K.D. application form also includes several other digital talent programmes, including:
- Andela Learning Community
- Learn2Earn
- ALX Africa
- HNG Internship
- AltSchool Africa
- Genesys Tech Hub
Their inclusion suggests that participants from these programmes may also be able to register their interest.
However, CREDICORP has not officially confirmed whether applicants from those programmes will be included in the current 1,000-laptop pilot.
Financial Terms Yet to Be Announced
CREDICORP has not yet released key financial details of the credit facility.
The corporation is still expected to announce:
- Interest rates (if applicable)
- Repayment duration
- Whether beneficiaries will be required to make an initial down payment
- Other eligibility and financing conditions
Further information is expected as the nationwide rollout of the C.L.I.C.K.D. programme progresses.
