The Federal Government has opened applications for a new credit scheme. It lets Nigerians buy smartphones, laptops, and tablets on instalment instead of paying the full price at once. The programme is called Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices, shortened to C.L.I.C.K.D. It was unveiled in Abuja this week by Communications Minister Bosun Tijani. He was joined by Uzoma Nwagba, the Managing Director and CEO of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, known as CREDICORP. CREDICORP is running the programme in partnership with the ministry.
The idea behind it is simple. A fresh graduate hunting for a remote job often cannot raise ₦400,000 for a laptop in one payment. A young Nigerian who just finished a tech training programme may need a device to start freelancing, but has no cash on hand. C.L.I.C.K.D. is built for people in exactly that position. It lets them collect a device now and pay back the cost in smaller instalments over time.
For now, the scheme is focused on locally assembled laptops. This is tied to a wider government push to support local hardware manufacturing instead of relying only on imported devices.
The pilot phase has started small. A thousand laptops have been set aside for fellows of the Federal Government’s Three Million Technical Talent Programme, also known as 3MTT. So far, 77 beneficiaries in Abuja have received their devices. The rest will be rolled out to other states in phases. CREDICORP has not yet shared the interest rate, repayment period, or whether a down payment is required. These details are expected soon, as the programme grows beyond this first pilot.
Applying is easy and done fully online. The whole process takes just a few minutes. First, go to the C.L.I.C.K.D. application page. Then click the “I’m Interested” button to open the form. The form asks for basic details. These include your state of residence and employment status. You will also state whether you are a salary earner, freelancer, business owner, student, job seeker, or NYSC member. There is an optional field for monthly income too.
Next, applicants must say whether they belong to a recognised digital talent programme. They must also pick the device they want. The choices are a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. After that, applicants explain what they plan to use the device for. Listed purposes include learning, remote work, freelancing, software development, business growth, and content creation. Applicants can select more than one reason. Before submitting, they must confirm their details are accurate. They must also agree to be contacted and allow CREDICORP to use their information to check eligibility.
Right now, only 3MTT fellows are publicly confirmed for the pilot. But the form also lists other groups as options. These include the Andela Learning Community, Learn2Earn, ALX Africa, HNG Internship, AltSchool Africa, and Genesys Tech Hub. This hints that these groups may soon join the scheme too. However, CREDICORP has not confirmed this officially. If you belong to any of these programmes, it may still help to apply now. Early interest could put you in a better position once the scheme expands.
At the launch, Tijani called the scheme a step toward building a stronger credit culture in Nigeria. He said affordable financing would help people and small businesses get the tools they need to boost productivity. He also praised President Bola Tinubu and CREDICORP for driving the initiative. According to him, it will support entrepreneurship, job creation, and Nigeria’s digital growth. The scheme is also linked to the 3MTT programme. This reflects the government’s goal of closing the digital divide by putting more devices in the hands of young tech talent.
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For now, here is the safest move. Check which group you fall under. Visit the CREDICORP portal. Then complete the interest form while the pilot is still open. More details on pricing and repayment terms are expected soon, as the scheme continues to grow.
