The Federal Government has announced its intention to kickstart the disbursement of N25,000 grants to members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) who have been incorporated into the expanded National Social Register of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme.
Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, revealed this development during her meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, at Labour House in Abuja.
The Minister emphasized that the decision to include vulnerable pensioners in the CCT scheme is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to labor leaders, as he had articulated earlier.
She stated, “the President mentioned very clearly that vulnerable pensioners should be immediately captured on the National Social Register and benefit from the Conditional Cash Transfer, as part of the national social safety net expansion.”
Dr. Edu urged the NLC to expedite the process of gathering data for potential vulnerable pensioner beneficiaries to ensure they can start receiving CCT payments promptly.
She said, “I want us to fast-track this. If we can get this data and information within two weeks, we are sure that you will be beneficiaries immediately and you can start earning from next month which is November, that’s the main reason why I’m here.”
The NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, expressed appreciation for the poverty alleviation initiatives introduced by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
He also highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of poverty and suggested focusing on social welfare interventions and job creation.
Comrade Ajaero called on the federal government to create more employment opportunities by establishing a productive economy with functioning factories that can hire workers.
Additionally, President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Godwin Abumisi, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the Minister for recognizing retired individuals as deserving recipients of federal government benefits.
He emphasized the significance of the N25,000 grant for pensioners, many of whom receive minimal monthly pensions. Abumisi commended the Minister’s performance thus far and encouraged her to maintain her efforts.
| Tribune Newspaper
