FG reviews conditional cash grant from ₦10,000 to ₦25,000 – Jigawa commissioner

The Jigawa State Government says it has registered 154,412 vulnerable households under the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme initiated by President Bola Tinubu to improve the welfare of citizens across the state

The development comes amid increasing economic hardship faced by many families due to rising food prices, transportation costs and the general increase in the cost of living.

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Auwal Sankara, disclosed the enrolment figures on Wednesday while speaking with journalists in Dutse, the state capital.

He said, “So far, 154,412 vulnerable households have been registered as beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope unconditional social security grant across Jigawa State’s 27 local government areas.”

Sankara noted that the programme provides N25,000 per payment cycle and is expected to boost household welfare, nutrition and small-scale businesses across the state.

He explained that the distribution process was already underway.

“The ministry commenced the first phase of the grant distribution exercise in January, and we are currently in the second phase,” he said.

According to him, many beneficiaries have already collected their payment cards.

“So far, over 126,636 registered households have collected their payment cards across the 27 local government areas of the state,” Sankara stated.

He added that efforts were ongoing to ensure the remaining beneficiaries were captured.

“As the exercise continues, we hope to complete the distribution of the remaining 27,776 cards in time to ensure that the common man benefits from the social security package,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that Tinubu had increased the grant from N10,000 to N25,000 per payment cycle to enhance the impact of the programme.

“President Tinubu reviewed the grant from N10,000 per two-month payment cycle to N25,000 per payment cycle,” he said.

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He explained that each beneficiary household would receive three payment cycles, amounting to a total of N75,000.

“Each beneficiary is entitled to three payment cycles, totalling N75,000. The President reviewed the amount to enhance the impact of the programme, which is designed to help households improve their nutrition and family economy,” Sankara added.

While acknowledging that the amount may appear modest, he said it has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of beneficiaries and the broader economy.

“The grant may sound small, but it has a great impact on the common man’s life and the national micro-economy,” he said.

He cited examples of small-scale traders and food vendors whose businesses could benefit from the intervention.

“For example, the capital of food vendors, tea sellers and other small local businesses. If you analyse them, you will understand how such an amount can make a difference in society,” he explained.

Sankara attributed the smooth implementation of the programme in Jigawa State to the support of Governor Umar Namadi.

“This exercise is going on smoothly in Jigawa State because of the support provided by Governor Umar Namadi, who is always passionate about any project that can improve the lives of the common man,” he said.

He added that the programme aligns with the governor’s development agenda.

“The Renewed Hope Social Security Grant is one of several programmes initiated by the President to improve livelihoods and strengthen the rural economy. This is also in tandem with Governor Umar Namadi’s 12-point agenda,” he stated.

According to him, the intervention is targeted at vulnerable families to cushion the effects of economic hardship while supporting local trade and food security across the state.

Sankara further assured residents of sustained collaboration between the Federal and Jigawa State governments.

“President Tinubu and Governor Namadi are working hand in hand to improve the lives of the people and place the state and the country on a path of growth, prosperity and sustainable development”, he concluded.