- FG Launches Programme for Nigerians to Get Laptops, Smartphones on Credit
- C.L.I.C.K.D. pilot initially targets 1,000 laptops for selected 3MTT fellows.
- CREDICORP has not disclosed interest rates, repayment periods or down payments.
The Federal Government has launched a new consumer credit scheme designed to help Nigerians acquire laptops, smartphones, tablets and other digital devices through affordable payment plans.
The initiative, known as the Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices Programme, popularly called C.L.I.C.K.D., allows eligible applicants to obtain digital devices on credit and repay gradually instead of paying the full cost upfront.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Sanwo-Olu Unveils Climate Defence Fund to Drive Green Investments
- Competence, Not Ethnicity, Guides Appointments in Lagos – Sanwo-Olu
- List of Public Facilities Named After Tinubu Since 2023
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the programme is being implemented by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, CREDICORP, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The initiative was officially unveiled 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.
The Federal Government said the programme was introduced to increase access to digital tools and support Nigerians who require devices for education, employment, business and other technology related activities.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries can obtain digital devices and repay the cost over an agreed period rather than making full payment at the point of purchase.
The programme will initially focus on locally assembled laptops, as CREDICORP said it was prioritising local manufacturing and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s technology industry.
The initiative is expected to make it easier for Nigerians, particularly those who depend on digital devices for their livelihoods, education and professional development, to access the tools they need.
Applicants can indicate whether they require a laptop, smartphone, tablet or another type of digital device.
They will also be required to state why they need the device, with options including learning and professional certifications, work and remote work, freelancing, business growth, school activities, software development and content creation.
How to Apply for CREDICORP C.L.I.C.K.D.
Interested applicants are expected to visit the official C.L.I.C.K.D. landing page at credicorp.ng/clickd.
After accessing the website, applicants should click on the “I’m Interested” button, which will direct them to the application form.
Applicants will then be required to provide information including their state of residence, employment status and other details.
For their state of residence, applicants can select any of Nigeria’s 36 states or the Federal Capital Territory.
For employment status, applicants can choose from options including employed or salary earner, freelancer or self employed, business owner, student, job seeker or NYSC member.
Applicants can also provide their monthly income, although the information is optional. The listed income ranges include below ₦100,000 to above ₦1 million.
The application form also asks applicants to indicate whether they belong to a digital talent programme.
The listed programmes include the Three Million Technical Talent Programme, Andela Learning Community, Learn2Earn, ALX, HNG Internship, AltSchool Africa, Genesys Tech Hub or another programme.
Applicants must also select the type of device they require, including a laptop, smartphone, tablet or another device.
They will be asked to state their reason for needing the device, with options including education, professional certification, work, remote work, freelancing, business expansion, school activities, software development and content creation.
Applicants will also indicate how they heard about the C.L.I.C.K.D. programme. The options include 3MTT, social media, friends or family, school, employer, Google search or another source.
Before submitting the application, applicants must tick three consent boxes.
They must confirm that the information provided is accurate, agree to be contacted about their application and consent to CREDICORP and its partners using their information to assess their eligibility for the programme.
The application can then be submitted for consideration.
1,000 Laptop Pilot Targeting 3MTT Fellows
The first phase of the initiative is a 1,000 laptop pilot targeted at fellows of the Federal Government’s Three Million Technical Talent Programme.
The C.L.I.C.K.D. initiative was launched as a national pilot under the 3MTT programme.
According to Nwagba, the rollout began in Abuja, where 77 beneficiaries had already received their devices.
He said the remaining laptops would be distributed to qualified beneficiaries in other states in phases.
The phased approach is similar to the strategy adopted by CREDICORP when it launched its main consumer credit scheme in April 2024.
The original consumer credit programme initially targeted federal civil servants before it was later expanded to cover a wider group of Nigerians.
Other Digital Talent Programmes Listed
Although CREDICORP’s public statements on the current 1,000 laptop pilot have focused on 3MTT fellows, the C.L.I.C.K.D. application form lists several other digital talent programmes.
They include the Andela Learning Community, Learn2Earn, ALX Africa, HNG Internship, AltSchool Africa and Genesys Tech Hub.
The inclusion of these programmes on the application form suggests that participants from some of the listed programmes may also be able to express interest or apply.
However, CREDICORP has not clearly stated whether participants from these other programmes will be included in the current 1,000 laptop pilot.
Applicants may therefore have to wait for further clarification from the corporation on the eligibility criteria for beneficiaries outside the 3MTT programme.
Meanwhile, CREDICORP has not disclosed key details concerning the financial terms of the C.L.I.C.K.D. credit facility.
The corporation is yet to announce the specific interest rates, repayment period or whether beneficiaries will be required to make an initial down payment before receiving their devices.
FURTHER READING
- Badejo-Okusanya Makes History, Becomes NBA’s First Elected Female President
- Troops, Police Thwart Terrorists’ Bid to Abduct Students in Borno School
- JUST IN: SAN Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya Emerges New NBA President
