Nigeria Ready for Digital Leap, Tinubu Tells Mastercard CEO

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared Nigeria ready for a major digital transformation, assuring global investors that the country’s youthful, tech-savvy population is prepared to compete and thrive in the global economy.

Speaking in Abuja while receiving Mastercard Chief Executive Officer, Michael Miebach, the President said Nigeria’s large youth population remains its greatest asset, highlighting their adaptability and readiness to embrace digital innovation.

Tinubu welcomed Mastercard’s proposal to train five million Nigerian businesses in digital skills, describing it as a timely intervention that aligns with the Federal Government’s economic reform agenda focused on inclusion, growth, and technology-driven development.

He noted that ongoing efforts to formalise Nigeria’s vast informal sector are already yielding results, with increasing numbers of small businesses registering and adopting digital platforms. According to him, this shift will unlock opportunities for investment, job creation, and economic expansion.

The President stressed the importance of strengthening payment systems and improving financial inclusion, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises. He urged closer collaboration between Mastercard and institutions like the Bank of Industry to expand access to finance and digital tools.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, also highlighted reforms in fiscal and monetary policies designed to support digital integration, noting a surge in business registrations and increased investor confidence.

Miebach reaffirmed Mastercard’s commitment to Nigeria, revealing that the company plans to deepen its investments and expand capacity-building programmes for small businesses over the next three years. He said Nigeria presents significant opportunities, especially with its large SME base and growing fintech ecosystem.

The Mastercard CEO added that the company has already helped prevent millions of dollars in fraud while facilitating foreign exchange inflows and supporting enterprise growth.

Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria is open for business and ready to partner with global institutions to drive innovation and economic transformation.