In a significant development aimed at bolstering its social safety net initiatives, the Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to encompass a staggering fifteen million households within the purview of its updated “Conditional Cash Transfer” (CCT) program.
Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, disclosed this pivotal announcement during her meeting with Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, the Country Director of the World Bank, held at the bank’s headquarters in Abuja.
In a press statement issued by Rhoda Ishaku Iliya, the Deputy Director of Information, Minister Edu underscored the importance of the government’s renewed commitment to eradicating poverty, a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. This agenda led to the renaming of the ministry, which now places a heightened focus on empowering the populace and lifting them out of the cycle of poverty.
Minister Edu applauded the World Bank for its adaptability in accommodating the ministry’s revised agenda to combat poverty effectively. She also shed light on upcoming initiatives, including the hosting of a Humanitarian Dialogue and the establishment of the Renewed Hope Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund (HPATF). The Trust Fund is poised to receive contributions from various sources, including the federal government’s budgetary provisions, development partners, the international community, taxes, and private sector contributions.
In her plea for support, Minister Edu emphasized the critical role the World Bank could play in verifying and expanding the National Social Register (NSR) and offering technical expertise to collaborate with the ministry in achieving the President’s poverty reduction objectives.
The Minister expressed her gratitude to the World Bank Country Director for the continuous support provided to Nigeria, spanning sectors such as education, health, agriculture, private sector development, and social services, among others.
Responding to the collaborative initiative, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, the World Bank Country Director, pledged unwavering support for the new focus of the Ministry. He affirmed that the proposed disbursement of $800 million for the Social Safety Nets Project would commence expeditiously. Furthermore, the World Bank would play a pivotal role in the verification and expansion of the National Social Register, provide technical support for the ministry’s preparations to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and extend specialized assistance for the establishment of the Trust Fund.
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