Government Plans to Revamp Npower Scheme and Combat Poverty

In a recent statement, Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, announced that comprehensive changes are in the works for the Npower scheme.

These changes aim to accommodate a larger number of individuals and ensure the timely disbursement of stipends to beneficiaries.

Edu’s statement, conveyed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Rasheed Zubair, highlighted the Minister’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Npower beneficiaries, particularly the delays in stipend payments.

Edu stated, “We will revise the operational procedures to expedite the release of overdue stipends, expand the program’s reach, and relaunch it with a renewed sense of optimism.”

Similarly, the Ministry intends to establish humanitarian hubs in all 774 local government areas across the country. This initiative aligns with a long-term strategy to combat poverty in Nigeria. These hubs will stock locally-produced goods, which will be made available to the public at more affordable rates.

The statement also mentioned the Ministry’s plans to send its personnel to all local government areas to gather feedback from communities. Also, the Ministry will employ digital tracking systems to monitor the distribution of palliatives.

This digital tracking aims to record vital information such as delivery time, location, and the recipients, ensuring transparency and effectiveness in the distribution process.

Dr. Edu emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to addressing poverty through job creation and cash transfers to impoverished Nigerians.

She also highlighted plans to collaborate with the Nutrition Department, establish Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, and provide stimulus support to businesses.

Assuring Nigerians of her dedication to mitigating the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria, Dr. Edu stated, “Nigerians can rest assured that all existing empowerment schemes within the National Investment Programme will be restructured to reach a wider audience effectively.”

Furthermore, she conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s substantial economic interventions designed to meet both short-term and long-term needs, urging Nigerians to trust the process.

These initiatives signal a promising step forward in addressing poverty and enhancing the welfare of Nigerian citizens.