FG begins pilot implementation of conditional cash transfer in 6 Kogi LGs

chika ebuzor

May 5, 2017 4:31 AM

Governor Yahaya Bello expressed optimism that the cash transfer programme would serve as a foundation of hope.

Gov Yahaya Bello

The Federal Government said on Thursday that it had selected six Kogi local governments for the implementation of the pilot project of its Conditional Cash Transfer of N5,000 monthly, per household.

Dr. Temitope Sinkaye, the National Coordinator, National Cash Transfer Project (NCTP), Office of the Vice President, made this known at the inauguration of “100-Day Rapid Result Initiative (RRI)” workshop on Conditional Cash Transfer, in Lokoja.

He stated that the projects had two components – unconditional cash transfer of N5,000 for the most vulnerable in which payment had already commenced in nine States, and conditional cash transfer of additional N5,000 for households with children and pregnant women

“We are here to develop a framework for the implementation of the conditional cash transfer, which is the second component that is being funded by the World Bank, unlike the base cash transfer that is solely funded by the federal government.

“Kogi has been selected as a pilot state for the 100-day test run of the implementation strategy and six Local Governments – Lokoja, Yagba West, Okehi, Ajaokuta, Ibaji and Dekina – have been selected in each senatorial zone for the test run.

“At the end of the 100 day after the design and test running, if we are sure that this framework is good enough, then we will replicate it in other States of the Federation.

“For now, we have a total of nine States, including Kogi, to participate in the 100-day RRI.

“It has joined other states like others Oyo, Kwara, Osun, Cross River, Ekiti, Niger, Bauchi and Borno State,” Sinkaye said.

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, while declaring the workshop open, expressed optimism that the cash transfer programme would serve as a foundation of hope for many vulnerable people, and also reduce crime in the society.

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Bello, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Simon Achuba, pointed out that the programme was highly commendable and should be applauded by all Nigerians.

He, however, advised those saddled with implementing the programme to be God fearing and do their best to make sure that the money got to the targeted poor people.

chika ebuzor