The Federal Government has increased the payment under its Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme from ₦10,000 to ₦25,000 per payment cycle as part of efforts to cushion the effects of economic hardship on vulnerable Nigerians.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs in Jigawa State, Auwal Sankara, disclosed the development while briefing journalists in Dutse, stating that 154,412 vulnerable households have so far been enrolled in the programme across the state’s 27 local government areas.
According to him, the initiative is designed to improve household welfare, enhance nutrition, support small-scale businesses and stimulate economic activities in rural communities.
Sankara explained that implementation of the programme is progressing steadily, with the first phase commencing in January and the second phase already underway.
He revealed that 126,636 beneficiaries have already collected their payment cards, while arrangements are ongoing to distribute the remaining 27,776 cards to eligible households.
The commissioner noted that each beneficiary household will receive payments across three cycles, bringing the total financial support to ₦75,000.
He said the upward review of the grant by President Bola Tinubu is intended to increase the programme’s impact on vulnerable families by improving their purchasing power and supporting household needs.
Although the financial support may appear modest, Sankara maintained that it would significantly improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries while boosting microeconomic activities at the community level, particularly for small traders and food vendors.
He attributed the smooth implementation of the programme in Jigawa State to the support of Governor Umar Namadi, describing the governor as committed to initiatives that improve the welfare of ordinary citizens.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Social Security Grant aligns with the state’s development agenda and complements ongoing efforts to reduce poverty, expand economic opportunities and improve living standards.
Sankara also assured residents that the Federal Government and the Jigawa State Government would continue working together to ensure the successful implementation of the programme and maximise its benefits for vulnerable households across the state.