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Tag: ICT

  • Nigerian ICT Matrix Contributions to GDP

    Nigerian ICT Matrix Contributions to GDP

    By Adefolarin A. Olamilekan

    The beginning of 21st century witness a rising tide in globalization. Courtesy of the four significant mechanism that made it possible via financial capital, technology innovation, human capital development and global peace promotion.

    Exclusively, technology innovation birthed the penetrating forces behind Information and Communication Technology (ICT). That ensure a seamless embracement of globalization, and its economic enthronement. Although, this pieces is not about globalization, we reemphasize and acknowledge it strong effects delivered through ICT matrix. Again, globalization as it own criticism, especially in regard to third world countries economic successes.
    Convincingly, the route of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) impact global economy. Granting the current century as information technology revolution phenomenon’s.
    In reference and contrast to previous revolutionary age witnessed; Stone Age, Slave Epoch, Agricultural and Steaming Engine Industrialization.
    Instructively, ICT revolution brought about cutting edge article’s raging from; satellite, internet,mobile phone, Fin-Tech,spectrum broadband, wireless penetration,virtual work station, and emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI).Without doubt this are link’s through which ICT shaped and reshaped global economic activities.
    Significantly by disrupting status quo and reestablishing new ones. Arguably, human society have come to reckoned with ICT, as the world we live today, is on the beacon of ICT matrix.
    Critically, a modest history of ICT penetration in Nigeria dated back to the pre 2000 millennium’s. Emphatically with government seriousness in ensuring every Nigerian household’s acquired the table phones in the 1970s.
    Beyond that, trends in government policy fiat came through in early 2000s with mobile telephones licenses and other sectoral approach framework. Interestingly, ICT in Nigeria gain momentum in road as economic progression determinant since then.
    That why today breaking news never seized to be heard about the manner ICT impact the health of the nations Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
    In fact, the Nigeria GDP that is approximately value over $500billion US Dollar. With oil and gas industry having the larger share, and dominating every other industries.
    Draw government attention over the years to target a shift from the petrol dollar rentier economy with less real growth and appreciable development.
    However, deliberate refocusing on the non oil sector, rejuvenate the entire economy. That ICT is steering the ship toward that government ambitious of economic diversification.
    Consequently, a recently outstanding performance of the ICT in the Nigeria economy was published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
    According to the NBS the ” ICT services have contributed N2.508 trillion to Nigeria’s GDP in the first quarter of 2023″. We can relate this to how activities in the ICT sector contributed 16.22% to Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Q4 2022.
    Simply, on a year-on-year basis, the sector growth rate increased by 10.72 percent in 2022, higher than the 7.28 reported in 2021.
    For instance ending 2022, contribution of the Nigerian ICT sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 9.76 percent in 2022 from 6.55 percent against statistics reported in 2021.
    Again, the 2022 full-year GDP report released by the NBS, show the ICT sector contributed 16.51 percent to the overall GDP, and that of 2021 stood at 15.51%.
    Succinctly, this is a rated performance from the sector compared to previous statistics on the sector.
    Understandably, NBS arriving at this statistics involved the calculations of 46 distinct sectors of the economy, which constitute oil and gas, ICT,manufacturing, banking,insurance,real estate,construction, transportation and other services baskets.
    Meanwhile, the ICT sector in Nigeria entails the following;Telecommunications and Information Services, Publishing, Motion Picture, Sound Recording, Music Production; and Broadcasting.
    However, a lots factors are said to be responsible for this impressive outing of the ICT contributions to the Nigerian GDP.
    Data from Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), revealed the number of phone subscribers in Nigeria as at April 2023 stood at 223.6 million
    This is also followed by the number of Internet subscribers for the same period 157 million, while broadband subscriptions stood at 92 million.
    Yet still, other deliberate effort by the government and stakeholders in private sector transition to online engagement. Worth mentioning is Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cashless policy economy,and emerging embraced of Fin-Tech services by individuals and organisation along side the use of USSD, mobile and internet banking.
    We can both mentioned the revenue generated by Federal government 820.8 million dollars for the from 5G spectrum licences from three operators, MTN, MAFAB and Airtel, within the period under review.
    More so that FDI is bringing in capital importation in the ICT sector, added to the growth in the Nigerian economy. With the likes of Elon Musk-owned SpaceX having it issuance of licence for satellite-based wireless broadband service.
    ICT in Nigeria indeed show a positive outlook, which is credited to the innovative and predictable telecoms regulatory environment and others. Although, the sector still has it own challenges, particularly on interior areas penetration and multiple taxation complains.
    Nonetheless, the federal government to increase the contribution of the ICT sector to GDP via a five-year plan, all hands must be on deck where the government priorities what is necessary to achieve the set goal by the end of the year 2025.
    On the long run, Nigerian ICT matrix reason for the GDP growth, and still counting.

  • SON to increase ICT content for improved productivity

    SON to increase ICT content for improved productivity

    By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo

    The Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, has initiated moves to increase the  automation and digitization of its operations in order enhance the productivity of the organization.

    Director General of SON, Mallam Farouk Salim who made this known at the organization’s four day  leadership retreat in Uyo yesterday said it has already strengthened it’s ICT department as a fulcrum to digitize and automate it’s operations.

    Some of the organization’s key operations already digitized according to the DG  include it’s Conformity Assessment Programme Scheme, Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme, Ports and Borders Processes, Library Services, Payment System and National Registry for Conformity Assessment Practitioners.

    He said that the automation of workflow for the organisation to significantly reduce the use of papers and physical files has been ongoing while he has set up a Modernization Committee comprising of representatives of relevant departments to drive the organisation’s ICT roadmap.

    “It is in this context that this Retreat has been designed to discuss issues around the state of our IT infrastructure and build consensus amongst Management staff on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of SON through digitization. 

    “Ladies and gentlemen, as you already know, digitization is a key driver of standardization and economic growth in both developed and developing countries across the world. 

    “Digitizing the public sector operations and services like our Organisation enhances rapid industrialization which in turn would create jobs, reduce poverty and insecurity in our country. 

    “The Retreat will also serve as an opportunity to have a general overview of all our Departments by measuring the attainment of their KPIs.” Salim explained.

    Efforts the DG said has also been intensified to minimize charges and fees for inspection by improving revenue through standard levies on some industries, from company tax or from import duties.

    He said more operational vehicles have been procured for it’s operations and expressed hope that the FG would provide the needed funds for them to execute some of their outstanding capital projects.

    In a keynote speech, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Mr Inuwa Abdullahi commended SON for their drive towards improved efficiency and productivity through a deliberate investment in ICT.

    Abdullahi who was represented by Dr Aristotle Omowu expressed confidence that the new initiative and collaboration with NITDA would also help the organisation to reduce human workload, increase transparency, reduce redundancy and increase revenue generation in SON.

  • How ICT, Agric Projected GDP To 2.25% In Q3 – NBS

    How ICT, Agric Projected GDP To 2.25% In Q3 – NBS

    Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and agriculture are among the key sectors that boosted the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria by 2.25 per cent in the third quarter of 2022. 

    According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released on Thursday, oil revenue dropped to 4.2% as production also dropped averagely to 1.2 million barrels per day. 

    This means the economy is steadily relying on the non-oil sector, which contributed 94.34%. 

    Recall that the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, had said the Nigerian economy now runs on revenue from the non-oil sector as oil no longer contributes to the government’s coffers. 

    But the oil production drop indicated that despite the discovery of illegal pipelines and the signing of a security contract with a former militant leader, Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the country is yet to meet its OPEC quota. 

    Meanwhile, NBS has said the GDP was a drop from 4.03% in the third quarter of 2021. 

    It blamed the slow growth on the recession and the challenging economic conditions that have hindered productive activities.

    “The Q3 2022 growth rate decreased by 1.78 per cent points from the 4.03% growth rate recorded in Q3 2021 and decreased by 1.29% points relative to 3.54% in Q2 2022,” it said. 

    It however said the real GDP grew at 9.68 per cent when compared to the second quarter of 2022, “Reflecting a higher economic activity in Q3 2022 than the preceding quarter. 

    “In the quarter under review, aggregate GDP stood at N52, 255,809.62 in nominal terms. This performance is higher when compared to the third quarter of 2021 which recorded aggregate GDP of N45, 113,448.06, indicating a year-on-year nominal growth rate of 15.83 per cent.” 

    It added that agriculture contributed 29.67 per cent in real terms with crop production the major driver of the sector, while industries contributed 18.37 per cent and services 51.96 per cent. 

  • Luke extols Etiebet for pioneering ICT in Nigeria

    Luke extols Etiebet for pioneering ICT in Nigeria

    By Samuel Ogenyi

    A member of the National Assembly from Akwa Ibom, Barr. Onofiok Luke, has praised a former Minister of Petroleum, Chief Don Etiebet, for pioneering digital revolution in Nigeria through his Data Science Company.

    Luke who is the chairman of the House of Representative Committee on Judiciary however lamented that what would have transformed the nation’s economy through early utilization of digital approaches to business management was killed by politics.

    Speaking at the one-year anniversary of Future Labs, a digital business hub at Ikot Ekpene, the lawmaker who represents Etinan Federal constituency at the National Assembly, however appealed to present business owners never to allow politics to suffocate instead of boost their endeavours.

    Luke, a gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, said the next level of human training in Akwa Ibom should focus on the training of the youth on ICT and other technical skills to prepare them for the industrial revolution which the present administration has initiated but would get to its peak in the next administration.

    “Any policy formulated should be based on data to know what should be put in place. As such, the government should partner with ICT based companies to do the necessary groundwork that would make data communication faster and cheaper even in the rural areas.

    “I believe that Ibom Science Park would be completed to function as a training institute for our future ICT entrepreneurs, because there is a need to train biomedical engineers and technicians. We now have a smart building. But we must have a smart government to have a smart future.” Luke said

    He congratulated the CEO of Future Lab, for taking the project to Ikot Ekpene in order to make the sub-urban dwellers have a feel of digital revolution. “We need to decentralize development to expand development because there is a yawning gap between infrastructural growth and human capacity development.” He said.

    Titling his Keynote address: The Role of Policy in National Development Start-ups as A Case Study, Luke who is a former speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assemble, said, “As part of our plan for the future, we intend to partner with the private sector to lay fiber optic cables for high performance data and high speed internet access.

    “We acknowledge the existence of a big digital divide between the urban and the suburban areas with high incomes as well as our rural and urban areas with low incomes. This digital divide includes connectivity gap where rural users experience lower speed internet connection more than urban users.

    “Our goal is to bridge this divide by ensuring increased broadband infrastructure in underserved and unserved areas while also partnering with startups and tech hubs to improve digital literacy among residents of these areas in a bid to address basic to intermediate skills for both hardware and software.

    “The digital literacy will help us in the maintenance and long-term substance of our proposed infrastructure.” He said.

  • FG adopting digital revolution for job creation — NCC

    FG adopting digital revolution for job creation — NCC

    The Federal Government says it is adopting digital revolutions for job creation, better governance and
     youth empowerment in the country.
    Prif. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications commission (NCC), stated this while delivering the combined 10th and 11th Convocation Lecture of  Fountain University, on Thursday in Osogbo.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture has as its theme: “Empowering Nigeria Youth Through Information and Communications Technology (ICT).”
    According to Danbatta, ICT is now synonymous with empowerment, as it transforms processes effectively and plays the role of an enabler in the various sectors of the economy for national development.
    He said, ”ICT revolution has created opportunities for the youth in the labour market globally.
    ”The World Economic Forum 2019 affirmed that at least 133 million new roles may emerge globally by 2022 as a result of the new division of labour between humans, machines and algorithms.
    “In fact, the impact of ICT to socio-economic development and transformation has been so monumental, that it is credited with ushering the fourth industrial revolution.
    ”As a measure to consolidate the gains of ICT revolutions in Nigeria, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020-2030 and the National Broadband plan 2020-2025, were launched by President Muhammadu Buhari to further strengthen ICT usage and adoption in the country.”
    Danbatta also said that the ICT sector had been consistently contributing above 10 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP for over 10 years, adding that as of fourth quarter of 2020, the telecom sector alone contributed 12.45 per cent to GDP.
    According to him, Nigeria is Africa’s largest ICT market with 82 per cent of the continent telecoms subscribers and 29 per cent of internet usage.
    He said the NCC had put in place various ICT youth empowerment initiatives to create a digitally skilled workforce that would fit into the Digital economy project of the country.
    He added that the commission was also committed to fostering partnership with the technology hubs and start-ups to accelerate innovations and creation of a digitally skilled workforce for industrial growth and sustainable development.
    In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Amidu Sanni, said the choice of the theme of the lecture  was not accidental, but deliberate.
    Sanni said that the institution was engaging its students in innovations, skill development and Artificial Intelligence through ICT.
  • FCTA trains over 2,000 staff on ICT for effective Service delivery

    FCTA trains over 2,000 staff on ICT for effective Service delivery

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA ), said at least trained at least two thousand, three hundred staff have been trained on various Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills, aimed at improving service delivery to residents in the Territory.
    Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, RCSI, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu who disclosed this yesterday during a media interactive session said that the trainees were drawn from across the various Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) of the FCTA, through the continuous capacity building interface scheme of the FCT Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement (RCSI), within the last eleven months.

    The media interactive session was on the programmes and activities carried by the Department, which represent the summary of end the year report for 2021.

    Ahmadu explained that the training programmes were mainly train the trainers driven initiatives, aimed at scaling up the workforce up to date with current technological trends, for efficiency in the system.

    According to her the Department leverages on continuous exposure of staff to capacity building initiatives especially in ICT, to enhance improved service delivery to residents in the Territory.

    Ahmadu said the RCSI established by the FCTA in January 2020 , is to serve as a focal point for driving all changes, reforms, innovation and improvement efforts within the Administration in line with the overall frameworks set by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), and other Central Agencies of Government, has been putting in place structures to boost its operations.

    She listed some of the programmes and activities carried out by the Department for the year 2021 such as the launch of the Citizens’ Engagement Platform; Town Hall Meeting on Resettlement & Compensation; One Day Retreat on issues of Multiple Taxation; Town Hall Meeting on removal of illegal structures in the FCT.

    Others shhe include Lagos Retreat on Multiple Taxation, sensitization on vitizen engagement Platform across the 6 Area Councils, Staff Recognition Award 2020, enlightenment workshop In Partnership with Code of Conduct Bureau on strict compliance with the Rules guiding assets declaration.

    “Three Day Sensitization Workshop for Desk Officers on the use of the citizens engagement platform, BPSR Lunchtime series held monthly.”

    “Training of website managers n partnership with the Bureau of Public Service Reforms on the participation in the scorecard of assessment in FG websites.”

    And domestication of the FG E-Government Master Plan – talks with The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and
    deployment of standard operating procedures in partnership with the office of the head of the civil service of the Federation-on going, she enumerated

  • FG, States Enjoin To Fund ICT, Science Education In The Country – OOSA

    FG, States Enjoin To Fund ICT, Science Education In The Country – OOSA

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Federal and state governments have been urged to fund Educational sector to advance the study of science and Information Communication Technology, (ICT) in the country.

    The guest lecturer, Dr. Eleojo Samuel Aba, made the call in a  lecture delivered at the National Convention of Ochaja Old Students Association, (OOSA) and Diamond celebration of Ochaja Secondary School, Ochaja, in Dekina local council, held at the school premises over the weekend.

    In a lecture titled ” The Role of Alumni Association in the Development of an Alma mater,”  delivered by Dr. Eleojo Aba, the ‘first Old Student Principal’ of the college said the schools which were Giants in sciences could not advance beyond where it was at that time due to some factors and emphasized the need for government to provide adequate fund to boost science teaching and learning of information technology.

    He said graduates of the institution have a special connection with the school and as a result were most of it’s loyal supporters, stressing that an engaged Alumni networks allows the institution to benefit from the skills and experience of the graduates by offering their support to the students and the school.

    In an address, the immediate past National President of Ochaja Old Students Association, (OOSA) Dr. Jonathan Okpanachi explained that various sets and some individuals had contributed to the development of the schools through execution of projects in the school.

    Dr. Okpanachi called on all branches to wake up to the challenges and responsibility of  their Alma Mater and find a way of giving serious face lift to the school.

    While appreciating Kogi state government for the support and award of contracts for the construction of structures for both schools, Dr. Okpanachi urged contractors handling the projects to complete on time in the interest of the schools, students and the community.

    According to him, the schools are facing the challenges of inaccessible roads and insecurity as the school security men were laid off and called for concerted efforts at ensuring that the security of the institutions is beefed up.

    The representative of the United Evangelical church, (UEC) the Executive Secretary, Northern states Joint Education Board, Elder Peter Ameloko said the mission appreciate the developmental efforts of the association in view of the projects executed over the years and enjoined them to sustain the tempo.

    Earlier, the Principals of Ochaja Boys science secondary School, Elder Ali David Daniel and and his  Ochaja Girls secondary School counterpart, Deaconess Salome Apeh noted that the two schools were maintaining the academic and religious standards as established by the missionary.

    Highlights of the event was the dissolution of the old executive that paved way for the emergence of Dr. Tom Abutu as the new National President of OOSA.

    In his post election speech, Dr. Abutu promised to pilot the affairs of the association to enviable position and called on former executive and members of the association to rally them to enable them succeed in the task ahead.

  • Kogi Poly Partners TETFUND In Training Staff on ICT

    Kogi Poly Partners TETFUND In Training Staff on ICT

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Acting Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman has reinstated his commitment to ensure that the institution is driven by Information and Communication Technology in all phases. 

    As part of efforts to make the members of staff digitally compliant, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja is collaborating with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETFUND) to empower staff on Information and Communication Technology,(ICT).

    In a press statement issued by the Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, of the institution, Mrs Uredo Omale said the Rector gave the assurance while declaring the training open at the institution’s CBT Centre on Monday, noting that a standard institution like Kogi State Polytechnic must be driven by ICT in all phases.

    The week long capacity training which commenced on Monday according to the statement would see 91 members of staff, including Academic and Non-academic, gain knowledge on various aspects of ICT.

    Dr Usman said that the school had upgraded her ICT consciousness by having a Directorate of Information Technology and Resource Centre which has recorded much success within the short time of existence.

    He noted that the institution recently conducted a computer based test (CBT), which was largely supported by school personnel, reinstalled internet services on campus.

    Dr. Usman stressed that “all General Studies examinations would be computer-based as Tertiary Institution is supposed to be driven by ICT in all standards and that is why we talk about e-payment, e-learning and e-security, amongst others.”

    “We are already fixing CCTV in all nooks and crannies of the institution to enable us identify source of any social vices arrangements on the campus.”

    On the issue of Staff welfare, Dr Usman disclosed that payment of promotion arrears for staff would take effect from January 2021 all things being equal.

    He added that the capacity building  training on ICT for the Academic and Non-academic staff of the institution was also part of improving their welfare as it would make them to be relevant and digitally inclined to impact posively on the society.

    Dr Usman commended the Director of Information Technology Resource Centre, Dr Ayodele Oluwakemi for her efforts in ensuring that the training became a reality. He further  charged the 91 participants to take advantage of the training and acquire the requisite digital knowledge.

    In her remarks, the Director, ITRC, Dr Ayodele Oluwakemi said courses to be taken during the one week training includes Intermediate Module, ICT in Education, Digital Marketing, Preparation Output, Presentation Applications,  amongst others.

    The TETFUND team was  led by Mr. Abraham Obatokun as the  Lead Consultant, Mr. Oyeleye Olakunle as the  Training Administrator , Mr. Anthony Olosami, Mr. Adeyanmi Oyenuga and Mr. Adeleye Adeoye as facilitators respectively

  • Sokoto Govt. Partners UK To Fast Track ICT Sector

    Sokoto Govt. Partners UK To Fast Track ICT Sector

    By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

    Sokoto state government in partnership with the United Kingdom is set to upgrade the standard of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector in the state to world class level.

    Gov. Tambuwal stated this Thursday afternoon when he participated in the UK Fund Prosperity Fund-Nigeria Project Technical e-Conference on Right of Way (RoW) in Abuja.

    Governor’s media aide,Muhammad Bello further stated that the partnership, brokered by the Director-General of ICT in Sokoto state, Dr Nasiru Daniya, was endorsed and supported by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Her Excellency Catriona Laing.

    According to Gov. Tambuwal, the state government is, by this development, poised “to reposition the ICT sector by facilitating the passage of the Sokoto State Information and Communication Techlology Development Agency (SICTDA) Bill, which is intended to speed up ICT integration and development across the 23 local government areas in the state.”

    He added that his administration is committed to supporting the reduction in the cost of RoW to allow Broadband Penetration in the country.

    The governor also pledged “to engage the British High Commission and other developmemt partners to ensure that the state successfully achieved its digital agenda tagged: #SokotoDigitalAgenda.

    He further pledged, along with other state governors, to take the issue of Broadband Penetration more serious, saying: “it is a prerequisite towards the development of the Global Digital Agenda, which could close the gap of the digital divide amongst nations.”

  • Gov Sule Declares Open 3- day Training Workshop For CBTT, Enumerators In Nasarawa

    Gov Sule Declares Open 3- day Training Workshop For CBTT, Enumerators In Nasarawa

    By Abel Leonard/lafia

    Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has declared open a three-day training session for participants on the Community-Based Targeting Team (CBTT) and enumerators for developing the second phase of the Single Social Register.Engineer Sule declared the training session at an elaborate ceremony at the Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall, on Wednesday.

    The Governor charged participants at the training to be meticulous in carrying out their assignment, which will facilitate collection of data that will establish a single social register, capturing targeted poor and vulnerable households in the remaining seven local government areas of the state.

    Engineer Sule pointed out that training the participants will enable government register and enrol poor and vulnerable households into the National Social Register, which will be used for the facilitation of the Federal Government’s Conditional Cash Transfer under the Social Investment Programme.

    He recalled that the National Social Safety Net Programme was launched in 2017, with the purpose of establishing a single social register for the poor and most vulnerable in the state, adding that Nasarawa domesticated the SIP with a view to addressing unemployment and improving the living conditions of the poorest citizens.

    The Governor expressed satisfaction that 6 selected local governments in the state benefited from the scheme, geared not only at improving the living condition of the poor but also accelerate economic development in the state and Nigeria as a whole.“Government accords high priority to this segment of the SIP, owing to the fact that the Conditional Cash Transfer touches the lives of the very poor in the society,” Engineer Sule stated.

    Earlier, in a welcome remarks, Focal Person/Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programme and Humanitarian Services, Imran Jibrin, commended the state government for domesticating the SIP in the state.Jibrin disclosed that under the first phase of the exercise, 48, 000 poor and vulnerable across the first 6 local government areas benefited from the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme, with approval for addition 50, 000 beneficiaries about to be implemented before the year ends.

    Presenting the programme implementation status by the state Coordinator, State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU), Adamu Hussaini Musa, disclosed that the National Social Register presently stands at over 4m poor and vulnerable households, with Nasarawa State fifth on the list, with 218 households.Musa said the purpose of the programme is to generate the poor and vulnerable households, using geographical targeting and community based targeting, to ascertain who is really poor.“All the local government areas that are poor will be identified by the CBT, using the poverty mapping, during which Lafia, Akwanga, Lafia, Awe, Nasarawa and Wamba were identified as the poorest LGAs,” he stated.