President Bola Tinubu has announced the resumption of the suspended conditional cash transfer programmes as part of his administration’s efforts to alleviate poverty and support vulnerable Nigerians.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Wale Edun, during a media briefing marking President Tinubu’s one-year anniversary in office.
The reinstated scheme aims to provide direct payments to 75 million Nigerians, encompassing 50 million households, particularly targeting those most in need. This move is designed to alleviate the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.
A Year of Impact: Resuming Social Investment Programmes
In celebration of President Tinubu’s first year in office, the federal government is set to reintroduce the social investment programmes that were previously suspended. The programmes, which include the conditional cash transfer scheme, home-grown school feeding initiative, N-Power, and the government enterprise and empowerment programme, are aimed at reducing poverty and supporting vulnerable populations.
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Addressing Fraud and Enhancing Transparency
To ensure the effectiveness and transparency of these initiatives, the federal government has overhauled the cash transfer programme to minimize fraud. Wale Edun highlighted that the revamping of these programmes is crucial to their success and sustainability. A special presidential panel, chaired by Edun, has been established to review and audit the financial framework and policy guidelines of the social investment programmes.
Background of Suspension
On June 12, 2023, President Tinubu suspended the programmes under the National Social Investment Programme Agency for six weeks to investigate allegations of mismanagement. The suspension also included Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, who was later suspended on January 8, 2024, due to supervisory responsibilities over the programmes.
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Legislative Support for Resumption
On March 13, the House of Representatives directed the federal government to resume implementing the social investment initiatives. This legislative support underscores the importance of these programmes in providing much-needed support to Nigeria’s poor and vulnerable populations.
Moving Forward
The reinstatement of these programmes marks a significant step in President Tinubu’s administration, aiming to deliver relief and support to millions of Nigerians. As the government moves forward with these initiatives, it remains committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective delivery of services.
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