By Blessing Bature-Akpakpan, Abuja

The Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustafa has said that the Federal Government committed over N400 billion to National Social Investment Programme annually that the youth form the greatest beneficiaries, especially NPower and the entirety of NSIP.

Mustafa, who made this known during the official launch of the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme, said that the present administration commits on a yearly basis over 400 billion naira to this people oriented initiatives, adding that this clearly attest to the commitment of the president that has never been witnessed before in this country.

Boss Mustafa who was ably represented by the minister of Youths and Spots development, Sunday Dare said federal government NSIP stands tall amongst the people’s programme of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“We have a president who is readily committed to the eradication of poverty as a way to accelerate Nigeria’s development. At the core of Mr. President’s initiative are the people. The people oriented presidency. The initiative and policies also caters for various sectors of the society, the youth, women, vulnerable and others.

Also, minister of Humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, appreciate His Excellency, the President for the confidence and support on me and my team to effectively implement the National Social Investment Programme NSIP.

“The National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) consists of poverty reduction intervention clusters approved by the Federal Government in 2016 and in 2019 the programme was transferred to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development for institutionalisation, supervision and coordination. The NSIP clusters, includes; the NPOWER, the GEEP, the CCT and the NHGSFP, which collectively have so far impacted over 12 million households since inception and the numbers are growing,” Farouq said.

The minister said that GEEP programme is a veritable tool designed to end poverty in many ways. In other words, GEEP targets the unbanked poor and vulnerable but skilled population that has always been left out on credit delivery programmes and is directed at providing soft and affordable loans to finance their businesses. The GEEP is innovatively targeted and delivered under three unique products. The TraderMoni for marginalized youth, The MarketMoni targets vulnerable women, and the FarmerMoni specifically focuses on rural farmers.

“The NSIP and by extension, the GEEP currently remain the main driving force behind the poverty reduction in Nigeria. Let me specially appreciate His Excellency, the Vice-President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose office commenced the implementation of the NSIP. Without that solid foundation, we are able to transit to the current levels of implementation smoothly. To my colleagues, the Honourable Ministers here present and all the stakeholders both local and international Organizations who have partnered with the Ministry and have directly or indirectly contributed towards the successful implementation of the NSIP, | say thank you so much for your support and encouragement.

She called on all Nigerians who are specially targeted by the NSIP and indeed the GEEP to please take advantage of all that the programme offers so that the vision of Mr. President of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 2030 will unfailingly be accomplished.

Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by Senator Baba Femi Ojudu, SA to the president on political matters applaud the humanitarian minister for the sleepless night, hardwork and the perseverance for forging a head for the major plan of fighting poverty.