The Federal Government has announced the expansion of its national empowerment programme, with a fresh target of reaching five million Nigerians across various sectors.
The initiative, which is part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s poverty alleviation and job creation agenda, will provide support in areas such as vocational training, entrepreneurship funding, digital skills development, and small business support.
Speaking during the official unveiling in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, said the programme was designed to lift more citizens out of poverty and promote sustainable livelihoods, especially among young people and women.
She explained that the expansion was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the government had strengthened partnerships with private investors, development agencies, and state governments to ensure effective implementation.
“We are scaling up interventions that have already recorded measurable success. Our goal is to reach at least five million beneficiaries in this phase, empowering them with skills, start-up funds, and access to markets that will guarantee long-term economic stability,”
According to her, the programme will prioritise rural communities, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable households, while integrating technology to ensure transparency and accountability in the selection process.
The Minister also disclosed that a nationwide portal would soon be opened for interested Nigerians to register, stressing that the programme will not only reduce unemployment but also contribute significantly to food security, wealth creation, and national development.
Some beneficiaries of previous phases, who attended the event, shared testimonies of how the initiative enabled them to start small-scale businesses, acquire vocational training, and improve their standard of living.
Analysts say the move signals the government’s resolve to tackle poverty head-on, but stress that monitoring and evaluation remain crucial to ensure that the empowerment initiative achieves its intended impact.
