Articles and OpinionHighlight

NSIP And Buhari’s War On Poverty

423
By Olu Tayo

With 80 million Nigerians classified as poor, the war against poverty is not only a herculean task, but presents formidable challenges to the present administration which has launched a frontal and unwavering war against poverty.

The ongoing war under the aegis of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), headed by Mrs. Mariam Uwais, the Special Adviser to the President on the programme,  represents one of the successes of the Buhari Presidency in terms of its conceptual framework, delivery and impact in tackling grinding poverty which is pervasive in our society.

In evaluating the NSIP intervention, it is critical to note that its success story is located in the meticulous planning and broad vision of the managers of the programme. The programme in setting out and defining the poorest of the poor, who are the main beneficiaries of the programme, devised a strategy which ensured that the selection process was insulated from the outside control of influence peddlers and political predators.

Having identified 80 million Nigerians as poor, and as a result of the paucity of funds, it selected 30 per cent from each state and senatorial districts to be the first batch of beneficiaries. It achieved this threshold by working closely and in concert with the states and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

It did not end there as operators of the programme travelled around districts and communities to identify its target recipients.  Operators of the programme also deployed Community Based Targeting Manual to assist them identify poor and vulnerable households.

By all ramifications, the vision of the National Social Investment Programme is laudable, and represents a bold attempt by the Buhari Presidency to stop rampaging poverty on its tracks by re-distributing wealth and  lifting millions of Nigerians out of grinding poverty.

 

As at date, the Social Investment Programme has benefitted 7.9 million Nigerians since inception and has a presence in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Its set targets through its various schemes are ambitious and reflect government’s commitment to curtailing poverty. For example, the N-Power seeks to provide 500, 000 jobs to unemployed graduates. Presently, 200, 000 graduates have benefited from the scheme and are currently gainfully employed in various institutions across the country. The programme has completed the selection of the next batch of 300, 000 beneficiaries who will soon be engaged. Government Enterprises and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) seeks to provide loans to a minimum of 1.6 million small and medium sized enterprises with established cooperatives. So far, 259, 541 beneficiaries of 4, 784 cooperatives have been paid nationwide with the next batch of 148, 611 loans approved for disbursement.

The National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) is a success story as it is presently providing a meal a day to about seven million school children in primary 1-3 across the nation.

In the non-graduate category of N-Power, 20, 000 more beneficiaries have been selected for training in 34 states. Also, the Humanitarian

Hub in Adamawa state has taken off and is supported by the ICRC, PCNI, and NEMA. The Lagos Climate Hub supported by World Bank and Lagos Business School (LBS) is on stream with other hubs situated in the six geo-political zones of the country and are at various stages of development.

With its impressive performance so far, it is not surprising that the National Social Investment Programme has continued to attract plaudits from Nigerians, stakeholders and international organizations.

Reviewing the performance of the programme, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) commended the programme for delivering measurable results in accordance with its core mandate. According to its empirical review of the group, NSIP is meeting its targets, objectives and outcomes across the country.

In the same vein, Action Aid Nigeria, an international non-profit organization, has praised the effectiveness and performances of the programme, stating that it is improving the lives of citizens. Action Aid, after its independent audit which included N-Power Programme, Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) and the GovernmentEnterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), concluded that the programme is a huge success.

In arriving at its conclusion, the Action Aid monitored the programmes under review in 35 states of the federation. Its personnel interviewed over two million Nigerians (beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries) with quarterly feedback sessions and suggestions on how to improve service delivery to the citizens. Based on empirical evidence evaluation and from the testimonies ofnNigerians, state actors and non-state actors, the National Social Investment Programme is succeeding in achieving its core mandate of reducing poverty and re-distributing wealth. Nigerians of all political persuasions should support this laudable programme of government that has made positive impact on the lives of citizens.

For the programme to make a greater impact, there is the need to fund it adequately. Since its inception, one of its challenges has been inadequate funding. Out of the N500 billion budgetary allocation on a yearly basis, only 15 percent of the total sum is released. This has hampered its operations. Under the present leadership of the programme, it has created positive impacts in addressing poverty, and a lot will be achieved with better funding of the pragramme.

Tayo wrote in from Abuja

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Lagos, Abuja airports receive full NCAA certification

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport...

Day 3 of African Military Games: Nigerian Armed Forces Shine, Win 17 Medals

The Nigerian Armed Forces have made a remarkable impact at the ongoing...

FG raises N346bln at Nov. 2024 bond auction, reflecting strong investor interest

The Federal Government has successfully raised N346.155 billion at its November 2024...

Breaking: Supreme Court Nullifies National Lottery Act

The Supreme Court on Friday nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted...

NNPC Ltd. hosts NSC boss, pledges support for revitalization of Nigerian football

In a significant move to boost Nigerian football, the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Nigerian youths essential to repositioning Africa, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth...

Just in: Simon Ekpa ‘ll be extradited to Nigeria to face charges – Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa,...

NPA’s CEO Dantsoho Makes History as First Nigerian Chairman of PMAWCA

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Save for rainy day, Federal Accountant General urges state govts, emphasizes transparency, accountability

In a bid to ensure financial stability during adverse situations and economic...

Sacked UNIZIK VC Odoh to Tinubu: You can’t fire me through press release

Sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in Awka, Anambra State, Prof....

UBA to empower MSME’s with wealth management strategies at its ‘Built to Last’ series

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of...

Olopade assumes office as NSC DG, promises new lease of life for Nigerian sports

Bukola Olopade had assumed office as the Director General of the resuscitated...

Amid High Inflation Rate, IMF Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

International Monetary Fund (IMF) President Kristalina Georgieva and her team met with...

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Ajibade, Nnadozie, Nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the...

Just in: FG announces reshuffle of governing councils at FUOYE, Kogi varsity

The Federal Government has made changes to the governing councils of Federal...

Exclusive: Eguavoen Opens Up on Declining NFF Contract Extension, Reveals Reasons

Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, has revealed why he declined the Nigeria...

Boost for Nigeria’s Oil Production As NNPC’s Utapate Crude Grade Hits Global Oil Market

In a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation, and...

Just in: FG sacks varsity Pro-Chancellor for misconduct

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced the removal of...

Just in: INEC presents Certificates of Return to Ondo Gov. Aiyedatiwa, deputy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to...

Breaking: Senate sacks Danladi Umar, Code of Conduct Tribunal chairman  

Following proven allegations of gross misconduct and unacceptable behaviour, the Senate on...