In an exclusive interview with Arise TV on the 3rd of October 2023, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, shared insights into the challenges and developments within the NPower program, shedding light on the government’s commitment to reducing poverty in Nigeria.
Edu opened the discussion by acknowledging the issues uncovered within the NPower program since her tenure began. One of the primary concerns was the over-registration of individuals beyond the program’s intended capacity. This overcrowding created inefficiencies and raised questions about the program’s transparency.
Another critical problem Edu addressed was the delay in disbursing funds to NPower beneficiaries. This delay in payments caused financial hardships for the program participants, many of whom relied on these funds for their livelihoods.
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However, one of the most significant revelations was the presence of individuals on the payment list who should not have been there in the first place. This inclusion of irregular beneficiaries raised concerns about the program’s effectiveness and accountability.
Edu also highlighted the issue of participants who were not actively providing services yet continued to receive payments. This further strained the program’s resources and its ability to achieve its objectives.
To address these challenges, the ministry formed a committee, led by the ministry’s secretary, to investigate the issues and propose solutions. Edu announced that they had received the initial report from the committee and were actively working to rectify the problems.
Beyond the NPower program, Edu emphasized the government’s dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Specifically, the administration aims to lift 133 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030. She also shared the government’s ambitious goal to help at least 20 million Nigerians escape poverty by the following year.
Edu’s statements underscore the government’s commitment to improving the NPower program’s efficiency, ensuring it reaches the intended beneficiaries, and working toward the ambitious goal of poverty reduction in Nigeria.
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Federal Government Begins National Social Register Verification to Target Genuine Beneficiaries for Welfare Programs
In an effort to enhance the effectiveness of its social welfare programs, the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a comprehensive verification process for the National Social Register. Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, initiated this vital undertaking in Makoko, Lagos State, where she also distributed essential food items to residents and conducted a free health outreach.
The primary objective of this initiative is to ensure the accuracy of the National Social Register, guaranteeing that it includes only those individuals who genuinely qualify for government benefits. Dr. Edu emphasized that President Bola Tinubu has given his unwavering commitment to ensuring that the register accurately represents impoverished citizens living on less than one dollar per day.
Dr. Edu elaborated on the President’s vision, stating, “The Federal Government of Nigeria is trying to put monies in the hands of Nigerians to assist them in terms of their businesses, livelihood, job creation, of course, to help them afford basic things like sending their children to school and ensuring that they can access quality health services. For us to do this, we need to verify the National Social Register.”
The verification process will involve both community targeting and geographical targeting, ensuring that the register comprehensively covers individuals in need. Dr. Edu highlighted that areas not previously included in the register will undergo targeted capturing to ensure inclusivity.
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She further emphasized, “Those who should not be on the register should be removed. Those who need to be on the register should be included. We are doing this with the utmost integrity, devoid of political interference, social interference, and personal interest.”
This initiative is not limited to Makoko alone; it will be carried out across the entire country to ensure the National Social Register’s integrity. Dr. Edu confirmed collaboration with governors, states, local governments, and community leaders to eliminate any biases and ensure that welfare reaches those who truly need it.
The distribution of welfare items will continue, with teams using boats for house-to-house deliveries. Dr. Edu stressed the importance of targeting the right recipients to alleviate poverty in Nigeria and reduce humanitarian crises effectively.
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In collaboration with the National Population Commission, the government aims to reach individuals in all 8,200 polling units, wards, and communities across Nigeria, ensuring comprehensive coverage and assistance to those in need.
This significant step by the Federal Government underscores its commitment to addressing poverty and ensuring that welfare programs are directed to the deserving individuals in Nigeria. The verification process is a crucial component of these efforts, ultimately aiming to create a more equitable and inclusive society.
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