NSIPA Boss assumes office promised to lift vulnerable Nigerians out of poverty
By Urube Peter, Abuja
The National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of National Social Investment Programmes Agency, (NSIPA), Hajia Halima Shehu, has resumed her new position with a determination to tackled the challenges facing vulnerable Nigerians.
The Coordinator said only 30% of the population of Nigerians have so far been empowered since inception of the programme in 2016.
Shehu recalled how she worked as the National Coordinator, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, (CCTP) in Buhari-led administration.
She stated this on her first day in office on Tuesday at phase 1 federal secretariat complex.
Her appointment came October 18, 2023 from president Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Chief Executive Officer stressed on the importance of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, the minister ability of over sight to deliver. She praised the efforts of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and poverty alleviation Dr Beta Edu, saying since her assumption of office, she has done a lot in uplifting the living standards of Nigerians using NSIP.
The NSIP boss reiterated the agency under her coordination will work to addressed all issues concern, particularly with the legal framework that governs the scheme.
Saying, “As we all know the NSIP programmes have now been running in the country since 2016 across the 36 states but is yet to completely alleviate Poverty out of the country.
“First , because the population of the poor/ vulnerables are twice higher than the average population of Nigerians who can afford the basic human needs which are not up to 30% of the Population empowered.
“Poverty as we all know , engenders crime in any society, the more the people are uplifted out of poverty the lesser the crime rate in any society.” Hajia Shehu said.
Shehu said, “ever since the programmes began we have witnessed so many criticisms in the country for lack of transparency, accountability, free & fair selection of beneficiaries, unrealistic database, publicity amongst others.”
She further explained that all stakeholders both home and abroad which includes National/International Development partners amongst others required working experience which I got in this ministry in the past 4 years I had the opportunity of interface with the needy across the country and have personally witnessed life changing situations on this programmes to the beneficiaries.
We have taken a lot of Risk in carrying out this Humanitarian services across to Riverine areas using boat and helicopter to get to this beneficiaries.
“So I can tell exactly the scope of work at NSIPA and the huge task ahead of us to be accomplished in a limited timeline”.
I am calling on you Honourable Minister ma , with our agency under the supervision of your Ministry , I know that all areas of operational lapses will be looked into for better life transforming, interventions on poverty stricken conditions of the poor Nigerians across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory.
“I have great confidence that with your full support by your Ministry N- SIPA, would make the ‘Renewed Hope Mantra of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, a practical reality among vulnerable Nigerians, she assured.
“Moreso, I know that leading such a significant agency requires resilience, empathy and deep understanding of the challenges faced by the population in the country. I am committed to this course and I have no doubt you will accord the agency your 100% support.” Shehu pleased
