In a major development aimed at rejuvenating Nigeria’s social safety nets, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has announced a comprehensive restructuring of the National Safety Nets Programmes.
According Deputy Director of Information Rhoda Ishaku Iliya, this restructuring is complemented by the appointment of new Programme Heads to oversee the various clusters within these critical programs.
Dr. Edu made this significant announcement during her meeting with the management and staff of the National Social Investment Programme Agency in Abuja. She emphasized that these changes are aligned with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and are crucial for bringing renewed energy and focus to these initiatives to achieve the desired results.
The Minister reminded those appointed to these key positions that the primary goal of programs like N-Power is to create employment opportunities for Nigerians, not to cause them hardships. She further emphasized that the appointments are subject to a six-month probation period, with a stern warning that underperformers will face replacement. She urged these officials to venture into the field where the nation’s most vulnerable citizens reside, rather than remain confined to air-conditioned offices in Abuja.
Dr. Edu stated, “Every day, you must be out in the field delivering results. Nigerians are waiting, and we have zero tolerance for inefficiency, excuses, and unverified results.” She went on to underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and the need to rebuild the people’s trust in the government through these restructured programs.
Furthermore, Dr. Edu emphasized the necessity for beneficiaries of these programs to sign full disclosure agreements and adopt a more effective and flexible private-sector mentality, promoting teamwork.
The newly appointed heads of various clusters under the National Safety Nets Programmes are as follows:
- National Coordinator NASSCO – Hon Abdulaziz Danladi
- National Cash Transfer Office NCTO Head of Office – Dr. Micheal Ajuluchukwu
- NCTO Deputy Head of Office – Dr. Janet Ekpenyong
- National Programme Manager, Youth Empowerment and Social Support Operations (YESSO) – Richard Romanus
- National Communication Manager NSIP – Hon Jamalu Kaburu
- National Programme Manager, Renewed Hope Shelter Programme for Refugees, Poor, and Internally Displaced Persons – Hon Chidinma Makuachukwu
- National Programme Manager, Grant for Vulnerable Groups – Hon Thalis Apalowo
- Programme Manager, At-Risk Children Programme – Hajia Salia Sanusi Yusuff
- National Programme Manager, National Homegrown School Feeding Programme (Renewed Hope Homegrown School Feeding and End Hunger Programme) – Hon Mrs. Angor Obande
- Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (Renewed Hope MSME Loan Programme) – Hon Dr. Joseph Nkang.
- Programme Manager, N-Power Programme (Renewed Hope Skills Acquisition Programme) – Dr. Akindele Adekunle Egbuwalo
- Renewed Hope IDP Refugees Out-of-School Programme (National Alternate School Programme) – Dr. Mrs. Etcheri Ansa
- National Project Manager, Community and Social Development Programme – Hon Olubunmi Bello
Dr. Betta Edu will continue to serve as the Chairman of the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) Management Team, with Abel O. Enitan, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, holding the position of Secretary of the NASSCO Management Team.
The Minister has called upon the newly appointed officials to bring their wealth of experience to bear on their new responsibilities, underscoring that there will be no room for excuses or failure as they work tirelessly to realize the objectives of the Renewed Hope mandate and propel Nigeria forward.
These appointments are effective immediately, signaling a fresh start for Nigeria’s social safety net programs.
