Nigeria Expands Financial Education Network with Support from ILO

ABUJA - For many vulnerable families in Nigeria, financial insecurity often translates into difficult daily choices-whether to keep children in school, pay for healthcare, invest in small businesses, or consider risky migration options in search of income. Strengthening financial knowledge can make the difference between merely surviving and planning confidently for a more secure future.

To help more Nigerians make informed financial decisions, the International Labour Organization (ILO), with financial support from GIZ and the Government of the Netherlands, has certified 21 National Trainers in Financial Education. This achievement establishes a growing pool of local experts who will deliver practical financial skills training to workers, cooperatives, village savings and loan associations (VSLAs), migrant workers, community organisations, and vulnerable households across the country.

Newly certified National Trainers celebrate the successful completion of the ILO Financial Education certification workshop in Abuja. The trainers will help expand financial literacy and economic resilience across Nigeria.

This certification represents a significant milestone in the ILO's efforts to build sustainable local capacity. Rather than depending on external expertise, Nigeria now has a strengthened national network of trainers capable of cascading relevant and life-changing financial education to thousands of people, especially in communities where economic vulnerability remains a major challenge.

The newly certified trainers-16 women and five men-come from diverse backgrounds, including government institutions, employers' and workers' organisations, and civil society groups. They completed a rigorous certification process after demonstrating their competence in delivering the ILO's Financial Education curriculum. Prior to certification, each participant conducted multiple community-based training sessions under the supervision of an ILO regional trainer, ensuring they could effectively translate theory into practical and impactful learning experiences.

The training goes beyond basic saving techniques. Participants acquired essential skills in developing household budgets, managing income, reducing unnecessary debt, preparing for unexpected financial shocks, setting financial goals, and accessing appropriate financial services. These competencies are critical for helping families improve their livelihoods, build resilience, and make sound economic decisions.

The training has equipped me to provide better guidance to both potential and returning migrants accessing services through our job centres and MRCs."

Mrs. Fati Alasah(Training Participant) - Migrants Resource Centre

In sectors such as cocoa production and artisanal gold mining, improved financial management can strengthen household income and help reduce economic pressures that often contribute to child labour. For migrants-both potential and returning-financial literacy provides the tools to make informed decisions, manage earnings responsibly, and invest productively upon return. In both contexts, stronger financial capability contributes to enhanced economic security and supports the broader goal of decent work.

I am happy to have been part of this training. It was simple and relatable, and I have learned practical ways to organize and manage my finances to grow my business here in Nigeria.

Samuel Joseph - Small business owner

The initiative was jointly implemented through the ILO's ACCEL Africa II Project, which targets the elimination of child labour in supply chains, and the ACTION Project, which promotes safe, orderly, and rights-based labour migration in Nigeria. By combining efforts, these programmes address the underlying economic drivers of child labour, forced labour, and unsafe migration.

The certification process, held in Abuja from 4 to 20 May 2026, also emphasized quality learning. Trainers were assessed not only on technical knowledge but also on their facilitation skills, ability to engage adult learners, teamwork, and practical application of the ILO methodology. This robust quality assurance ensures consistent, high-standard training delivery across all communities.

Participants were drawn from Abuja, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Niger, Kano, and Oyo States. The certification followed an earlier five-day Training of Trainers in September 2025 and forms part of the ILO's Global Programme on Financial Education. As these newly certified trainers begin their work nationwide, the impact is expected to extend far beyond the classroom-strengthening livelihoods, improving household wellbeing, and helping communities build more resilient and productive futures.