By Daniel Edu
Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has revealed plans to overhaul the N-Power scheme to accommodate a larger number of participants and ensure timely disbursement of stipends to beneficiaries.
In a statement released on Sunday by her Special Adviser for Media and Publicity, Mr. Rasheed Zubair, in Abuja, the minister acknowledged the challenges faced by N-Power beneficiaries, particularly concerning delayed stipend payments.
Edu expressed her commitment to resolving these issues, stating, “We will change the modalities so that people will receive their overdue stipends, expand the program to include more participants, and relaunch it with a renewed sense of hope.”
Additionally, the ministry outlined its intention to establish humanitarian hubs in all 774 local government areas across the country, aiming for a long-term strategy to combat poverty in Nigeria. These hubs will offer locally produced goods at reduced prices to benefit Nigerians.
The ministry also plans to deploy its personnel to all local government areas to gather feedback, along with implementing digital tracking of welfare assistance.
The digital tracking system is designed to monitor the timing, location, households, and individuals receiving aid, ensuring transparent and efficient distribution. Independent monitors will also be engaged to verify that relief materials reach those in need.
Dr. Edu emphasized that under her leadership, the ministry will address poverty through job creation, cash transfers to impoverished Nigerians, collaboration with the Nutrition Department, establishment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, and provision of stimulus to support businesses.
She assured Nigerians of her dedication to tackling the humanitarian crisis in the country with swift action. Dr. Edu also mentioned President Bola Tinubu’s substantial economic interventions to address the immediate and long-term needs of the population, encouraging Nigerians to have confidence in the process.
