By Muhd D Haidar
The Jigawa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable residents as the state records steady progress in the implementation of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Social Security Grant, with 154,412 less privileged households captured under the intervention.
The State Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Auwal Dalladi Sankara, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the status of the programme in Dutse, noting that the success of the exercise in Jigawa was largely due to the support and commitment of Governor Malam Umar Namadi to people-oriented policies and social protection programmes.
According to the commissioner, the Federal Government has released a total of N11.58 billion to beneficiaries in Jigawa under the non-conditional social security grant, which is targeted at reducing hardship among poor and vulnerable households.
He explained that the programme is being implemented in partnership with the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) and the Jigawa State Ministry of Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, adding that the state has continued to play a critical role in ensuring the smooth coordination and distribution process across the 27 local government areas.
Hon. Sankara said 126,636 beneficiaries had already been settled under the first phase of the programme, which commenced in January, while the second phase is currently underway.
He added that over 126,636 registered households have so far collected their payment cards, while efforts are being intensified to ensure that the remaining 27,776 beneficiaries are captured and issued their cards without delay.
The commissioner noted that Jigawa’s progress in the implementation of the scheme reflects Governor Namadi’s strong passion for programmes that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable.
He said the governor has continued to provide the enabling environment and institutional support needed to ensure that federal social intervention programmes reach the intended beneficiaries in the state.
“This exercise is going on smoothly in Jigawa State because of the support provided by His Excellency, Governor Malam Umar Namadi, who is always passionate about any programme that can improve the lives of the common man in the state,” Sankara said.
He further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had reviewed the grant upward from N10,000 per two-month payment cycle to N25,000 per payment cycle, with each beneficiary expected to receive three payment cycles amounting to N75,000.
According to him, the increase is aimed at boosting the impact of the programme on household nutrition, family income and small-scale economic activities in local communities.
Sankara stressed that beyond direct relief to poor families, the intervention would also stimulate grassroots economic activities by improving the capital base of petty traders, tea sellers, food vendors and other micro-business operators.
He described the Renewed Hope Social Security Grant as one of the key social investment programmes of the Tinubu administration, designed to reduce poverty and support the livelihoods of struggling households across the country.
The commissioner, however, maintained that in Jigawa, the programme fits squarely into Governor Namadi’s 12-point agenda, particularly in the areas of social inclusion, economic empowerment and poverty reduction.
He assured the people of the state that the Jigawa Government would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries benefit from the scheme.
Sankara added that the partnership between President Tinubu and Governor Namadi on social welfare initiatives would further strengthen efforts to uplift vulnerable households and put Jigawa on a stronger path of inclusive growth and sustainable development.
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