Venerable Nigerians to get N25K Grant from November 2023

Starting from next month, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is set to provide grants of N25,000 to vulnerable members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners who are part of the expanded National Social Register of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Scheme.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), led by its President, Joe Ajaero, at the Labour House in Abuja.

Dr. Edu shared that the decision to include vulnerable pensioners in the CCT scheme was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to labor leaders.

The Minister quoted the President, stating, "The President mentioned very clearly that vulnerable pensioners should be immediately captured on the National social Register and benefit from the Conditional Cash Transfer, as part of the national social safety net expansion, and this was made clear in his speech on Independence Day where he committed 25,000 Naira for 15 million households for three months."

She appealed to the NLC to expedite the process of collecting data from potential vulnerable pensioner beneficiaries, so they can commence receiving CCT payments.

"I want us to fast-track this. If we can get this data and information within two weeks, we are sure that you will be beneficiaries immediately, and you can start earning from next month, which is November. That's the main reason why I'm here," Dr. Edu emphasized.

She commended Ajaero for being a team player and highlighted that the task of moving Nigeria forward is a collective one. She urged him to continue having faith in the federal government under President Tinubu.

In response, Ajaero expressed his satisfaction with the poverty alleviation schemes rolled out by the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Ministry. He praised the passion and commitment that Minister Edu has for her job.

However, he suggested that addressing the root causes of poverty is equally essential in dealing with the problem.

"Let's look at not only how to solve this problem, but the cause of it. If we continue to treat the effects of poverty, the problem will persist. Let us look at other social welfare interventions and job creation that will go a long way to support families," said Ajaero.

He urged the federal government to create more jobs by fostering a productive economy where factories operate and employ workers.

Ajaero thanked the Minister for being the first member of the federal executive council to visit the labor house during President Tinubu's administration. He expressed willingness to collaborate to achieve success in the process and emphasized the positive impact the Ministry will have.

The President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Godwin Abumisi, conveyed gratitude to President Tinubu and the Minister for recognizing retirees' worthiness of federal government benefits.

Abumisi pointed out that some pensioners currently receive as little as N5,000 to N10,000 a month, making N25,000 a significant amount for them. He expressed appreciation for the Ministry's exceptional performance thus far and encouraged the Minister to maintain the pace.