Conditional Cash Transfer: FG Targets 15m House Holds-DR. Betta Edu
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has announced that the Federal Government (FG) intends to empower 15 million households through the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program.
Dr. Edu made this announcement during her visit to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, as part of the government’s efforts to alleviate poverty in Nigeria.
In a statement released by the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO), Rhoda Ishaku Iliya, it was revealed that various programs are being implemented to reduce suffering among Nigerians.
Dr. Edu sought support from the Minister of Information and National Orientation for the publicity of all programs of the Ministry, including the National Social Safety Nets Programs, which is one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Under the Humanitarian pillar of the Ministry, the Federal Government aims to provide shelter, nutrition, and other social needs to people affected by humanitarian crises. Additionally, several poverty alleviation programs will be launched to lift citizens out of poverty.
These programs include the End Hunger Program under the National Home Grown School Feeding Program, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program (GEEP), Grant for Vulnerable Groups, Renewed Hope Shelter programs, among others.
Dr. Betta Edu stated that the Federal Government plans to empower 15 million households under the CCT program, providing each beneficiary with a total sum of N75,000 paid in three installments.
Furthermore, 1.5 million individuals will benefit from the GEEP program starting in October 2023. Each beneficiary will receive N50,000 under the Market Women, Trader, and Farmer loans project of GEEP, with payments divided into three phases of 500,000 persons each.
Regarding the Renewed Hope Shelter program, the Minister mentioned that the government will provide shelter for the poor, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and refugees. Communities will participate in building the houses, while the Ministry will facilitate the enabling environment. Building materials and furniture will be sourced locally, contributing to the economic development of individuals and communities.
Dr. Betta Edu requested the support of the Minister of Information, Idris, for publicizing these programs to sensitize the public and build confidence in government initiatives. She also advocated for collaboration with the National Information Centers, National Orientation Agency (NOA), and public media organizations to report on the Ministry’s activities in all 774 local governments in Nigeria.
In response, Minister Idris commended Dr. Edu’s dedication and commitment to improving Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of accurate data in planning and assured his Ministry’s support in publicizing government programs for the benefit of the Nigerian public