FG set to increase N-Power beneficiaries from 500,000 to one million people

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its plans to increase the number of N-Power beneficiaries fron 500,000 to 1 million people. 

This was announced at the Worker’s day commemoration on Saturday May 1, 2021.

The Federal Government alos announced that it is seeking to expand the number of those benefitting from the conditional cash transfer programme to 32 million, from the present 13 million.

Explaining futher, NAN quoted Buhari to have said the expansion of the N-Power programme would ensure job creation and poverty alleviation that would in turn cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigerians.

“We also have put in place some socio-economic policies, which also include Conditional Cash Transfer for the vulnerable poor from 2.6 million households (13 million persons) to 7.6 million households (about 32 million persons),” his message read.

“COVID-19 Rapid Response Register (RRR) for urban Poor, which now has 4.8 million households (20 million persons) which also include urban poor/working class.

“Also, through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, there is the Entrepreneur Support Programme and, this even includes the vulnerable workers amongst the urban poor.

“We also have the Artisan Support Fund, Payroll Support Fund for small scale businesses, Business Formalisation aimed at encouraging micro, small and medium enterprises by offering free registration for upcoming businesses by the Corporate Affairs Commission.

“There is also Guaranteed Off-take Stimulus Scheme for Small Medium Enterprises for producers of hygienic products and packaged food to encourage entrepreneurship and industries.

President Buhari stated further that in securing jobs, the government was promoting social protection and people’s welfare.

He said: “We also know that social protection gives you peace of mind and hope for a better future,

“It also ensures access to health care and income security for all and provides for you and your family when sick, unemployed, injured, pregnant or too old to work.