Breaking News: FG’s N50,000 Grant for 100,000 Nigerian Families

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the distribution of funds to many families across Nigeria’s 36 states to alleviate hardship.

During a National Economic Council meeting, President Tinubu announced the government’s plan to distribute “N50,000 uplift grant each to 100,000 families per state for three months.” This initiative aims to support families struggling with the current economic situation.

Key Details

• Total Funds Per State: N5 billion
• Total for All States: N185 billion
• Total for Three Months: N555 billion

This initiative is part of the new ‘National Construction and Household Support Programme’ launched by President Tinubu’s administration. The programme also includes the deployment of N155 billion to purchase and distribute various foodstuffs nationwide.

Additional Support Measures

Other measures included in this support programme are:

1. CNG Buses for Mass Transit: FG will give states and the FCT N10 billion each to buy CNG buses to reduce transportation costs.
2. Support for Labour and Civil Society Organizations: Provisions will be made for these groups, though details are not yet clear.
3. Construction of Sokoto-Badagry Highway: This highway will connect Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos, facilitating easy transportation of food from the north to western Nigeria.
4. Completion of Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway: This railway will connect Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Borno.

Selection of Beneficiary Families

The statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the spokesperson for President Tinubu, did not provide a clear explanation of how families will be chosen. However, past cash grant programs may offer some insights.

In 2023, President Tinubu announced a ‘Conditional Cash Transfer’ program, where the government paid N8000 monthly to 12 million poor and low-income households for six months. To qualify for this scheme, households had to meet specific conditions, and payments were made based on information from the National Social Register.

National Social Register

The National Social Register, created during President Buhari’s tenure under the National Social Safety Nets Project, contains information on people eligible for government assistance across all states and the FCT. By the end of Buhari’s tenure, this register included over 16 million households and more than 61 million vulnerable individuals.

Changes in the Social Register

In July 2023, the National Economic Council, which includes all state governors, decided not to use the existing social register due to credibility concerns. Instead, states were directed to create their own registers using both formal and informal means. These state social registers may be used to disburse the N50,000 to eligible households.

Implementation Challenges

While the plan appears comprehensive, its implementation may face challenges such as:

1. Accurate Identification of Beneficiaries: Ensuring that the right families receive the grants.
2. Transparency: Maintaining transparency in the distribution process.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring to ensure funds are used as intended.
4. Coordination Among States: Effective coordination between federal and state governments.

Government’s Commitment

President Tinubu emphasized the need for states to collaborate to meet the people’s needs, indicating that success depends on joint efforts. The programme’s impact will largely depend on the cooperation between federal and state governments.

Conclusion

The FG’s plan to distribute N50,000 to 100,000 families per state is a significant step towards alleviating economic hardship in Nigeria. The success of this initiative will depend on transparent and efficient implementation, as well as effective collaboration between various levels of government. By addressing these challenges, the government aims to provide much-needed relief to millions of Nigerians.