Hajiya Halima Shehu, the newly appointed National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Program Agency NSIPA, has assumed office with a pledge to address operational issues and usher in life-transforming interventions.
During a press briefing held on Tuesday, Hajiya Halima Shehu acknowledged the criticisms that have plagued the NSIP programs, including concerns about transparency, accountability, fair beneficiary selection, realistic databases, and adequate publicity.
She emphasized the importance of improving these aspects, especially since the programs are now governed by a legal framework that clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of the agency, the CEO, and stakeholders.
Addressing the critical issue of poverty, Shehu stressed its correlation with increased crime rates in society. She believes that by lifting people out of poverty, the crime rate can be reduced, making the country safer and more prosperous.
“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 said
Shehu also disclosed a concerning statistic, stating that the number of poor and vulnerable individuals in Nigeria is significantly higher than those who can afford basic human necessities, with less than 30% of the population having been empowered by the NSIP programs to date.
The NSIP programs have been running since 2016, aiming to alleviate poverty across Nigeria. However, they have not yet achieved their goal of eradicating poverty in the country.
Shehu expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and her team by President Bola Tinubu. She recognized the magnitude of the task before them and stressed the importance of focus, commitment, dedication, and collaboration with all stakeholders, both domestic and international, including development partners.
In conclusion, Shehu conveyed her confidence that, with the support of the Ministry and all stakeholders, NSIPA will turn President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” mandate into a practical reality for vulnerable Nigerians.
She also highlighted the need for resilience, empathy, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the population in leading such a significant agency. Shehu thanked the audience and extended her blessings to NSIPA, the Ministry, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, concluding the press briefing with a message of hope for a brighter future for those in need.
