In a bold move towards President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigerian Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has announced a sweeping restructuring of the National Social Safety Net Programs. This strategic overhaul aims to inject new vigor, direction, and accountability into the programs, leaving no room for excuses or inefficiency.
Addressing her team in Abuja, Minister Edu emphasized that programs like N-power and other Social Safety Nets were intended to create opportunities, not hardships, for Nigerians. She reminded her staff that their appointments were on probation for six months and issued a stern warning: underperformers would be replaced.
Edu urged her team to step out of their air-conditioned offices and engage with the people they serve in the field. “Every day, you must be out achieving results; Nigerians are waiting,” she declared, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to efficiency and results.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Minister Edu pointed out that over 70 million Nigerians live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than 1.95 cents per day. The Renewed Hope Agenda’s primary goal is to lift 133 million Nigerians out of multidimensional poverty, making it imperative to revamp existing programs for quicker and more accountable outcomes.
The revamped programs will prioritize transparency, accountability, and the restoration of public trust in government initiatives. Beneficiaries will be required to sign full disclosures, ensuring that their progress can be verified by anyone.
Minister Edu stressed the need for effectiveness, a private sector mentality, flexibility, and a team spirit approach in the implementation of these programs.
She announced the expansion of NSIP and other initiatives under new names like Renewed Hope GEEP Program, Renewed Hope Job Creation Scheme (NPower), Renewed Hope for At-Risk Children, Renewed Hope Shelter Programme for Refugees, the Poor, and IDPs, Renewed Hope Community and Social Development, National Cash Transfer Office, and Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups.
In closing, Minister Edu asserted her unwavering commitment to achieving results, stating, “I will not hesitate to replace anyone underperforming until the desired results are achieved.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon Abel Enitan, praised Minister Edu for her visionary approach to the Renewed Hope Agenda. He pledged the full support of the ministry staff and top management officers to achieve the set objectives.