In an effort to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal, the Federal Government of Nigeria is set to disburse N25,000 monthly to approximately 230,411 households in Kogi State. The initiative, known as the “Renewed Hope Initiative Intervention,” is part of the National Social Safety Net project structure and aims to provide relief to vulnerable households.
Sadiya Abdullahi, the National Enrolment Manager at the National Cash Transfer Office, revealed that the program is designed to support over 15 million households nationwide with the monthly disbursement for a duration of three months in its first phase. The beneficiaries, selected from the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office, will each have one primary recipient per household.
Abdullahi emphasized the transparency and accountability of the process, noting that both banked and unbanked beneficiaries have been enlisted for payment. The initiative follows a fully digital system, and efforts are underway to facilitate financial inclusion by supporting unbanked beneficiaries in acquiring bank accounts.
Bridget James, the Head of Operation at the Kogi Cash Transfer Unit, explained that the exercise aims to capture the details of both new and existing beneficiaries from the National Social Register. This comprehensive approach intends to ensure that over 230,000 households benefit from the federal government’s intervention program across the 21 local government areas in Kogi State.
While speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the government’s intervention, acknowledging the relief it brings amidst the challenges posed by the fuel subsidy removal. Hawal Bala, a 75-year old beneficiary, extended appreciation to “President Tinubu” for the initiative, reflecting the positive impact on the lives of the recipients.
James Friday, another beneficiary, echoed the sentiment of gratitude and hope, emphasizing the unexpected yet tangible reality of the government’s commitment. The testimonials from the beneficiaries underscore the significance of the initiative and its potential to alleviate the hardships faced by vulnerable households in Kogi State.
As the enrollment process advances across the state, the initiative signifies a crucial step towards addressing the economic repercussions of the fuel subsidy removal, bringing renewed hope to the households poised to benefit from the program.
