…says only 30% have been empowered since 2016
The newly appointed National Coordinator, National Social Investment Programmes Agency, NSIPA, Halima Shehu, has pledged to confront operational deficiencies and boost empowerment efforts, so as to capture more vulnerable Nigerians.
According to Coordinator, only 30% of the population have so far been empowered since inception of the programme in 2016.
Shehu, who also worked as the National Coordinator, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, during the Buhari-led administration disclosed this when she resumed office after her appointment on October 18, 2023.
Highlighting the importance of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, the National Coordinator praised the efforts made by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and poverty alleviation Dr Beta Edu, since her assumption of office in uplifting the living standards of Nigerians through the NSIP.
She attributed this challenge to the sheer number of poor and vulnerable citizens, which is significantly higher than the number empowered. Poverty, as mentioned, often leads to increased crime rates.
The NSIP boss assured that the agency would work to address these concerns, particularly with the legal framework that governs the scheme.
She noted, “As we all know the NSIP programmes have now been running in the country since 2016 across the country but it’s yet to completely alleviate Poverty out of the country. First , because the population of poor/vulnerables is twice higher than the average population of Nigerians who can afford the basic human needs and not up to 30% of the population have been empowered.
According to her “Poverty as we all know , engenders crime in any society, the more the people are uplifted out of poverty the lesser the crime rate in any society.”
She added that the programmes have witnessed so many criticisms in the country for lack of transparency, accountability, free & fair selection of beneficiaries, realistic database and publicity amongst others.
“We hope to do better in this aspect especially now that the programmes are governed by an act which is a legal framework that clearly states the function of the Agency, the CEO & Stakeholders.”
“Again I will say am certain that Mr President has recognized our leadership qualities and that’s why he has assigned us such a huge task upon us therefore we have to be focused, committed, dedicated & passionate in carrying out this sensitive assignment of poverty alleviation which is one of the biggest promise In his Renewed Hope mandate but this cannot be achieved Without a great team and collaboration from all stakeholders both home and abroad which includes National/International Development partners amongst others.
“My working experience in this ministry in the last 4 years has availed me the opportunity to interface with the needy across the country and Inhave personally witnessed life changing situations on this programmes to the beneficiaries, we have taken a lot of Risk in carrying out this Humanitarian services sometimes when we get to Riverine areas we get into a boat or a helicopter to get to this beneficiaries.
“So I know exactly the scope of work at NSIPA and the huge task ahead of us to be accomplished in a limited timeline.
“Honourable Minister ma , with our agency under supervision of your Ministry , I know that all areas of operational lapses will be looked into for better life transforming interventions on poverty stricken conditions of the poor Nigerians across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory.
“I have confidence that with full support by your Ministry N- SIPA, would make the ‘Renewed Hope Mantra of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, a practical reality among vulnerable Nigerians.
“And lastly, I know that leading such a significant agency requires resilience, empathy and deep understanding of the challenges faced by the population in the country. I am committed to this course and I have no doubt you will accord the agency your 100% support.”
