By Adedapo Adesanya
The Niger State Government has received the sum of N1.9 billion from the federal government’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme since its introduction in 2016.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Sadiya Farouk, at the launch of the federal government’s special cash grant for rural women in Minna on Saturday.
She further revealed that the programme has impacted the lives of 43,611 poor and vulnerable households (PVHHs).
According to the minister, 13 local government areas in the state were currently benefiting from the programme. She established that these LGAs include Wushishi, Chanchaga, Bida, Kontagora, Rafi, Borgu, Agaie, Mashegu, Katcha, Bosso, Munya, Lapai and Lavun.
The minister said that the objectives of the programme were to improve household consumption, an increase in the utilisation of health and nutrition services, as well as improve school enrolment and attendance.
Other objectives, she added, were to engage beneficiaries to attain sustainable livelihood, and that programme beneficiaries had witnessed life-changing experiences since its introduction.
The CCT programme is designed to benefit poor and vulnerable households with a monthly stipend of N5,000. Beneficiaries also receive training as well as financial and technical support to start small businesses.
It is one of the four social investment programmes anchored by President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. The scheme commenced in September 2016. It was conceived as part of the federal government larger growth and social inclusion strategies aimed at addressing key social concerns in the country.