The Federal Government has launched a $1 billion social protection programme to help vulnerable Nigerians move from temporary palliatives to lasting economic empowerment and self-reliance.
The Household Prosperity and Empowerment Social Protection Project (HOPE-SP) was launched on Wednesday at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, alongside four other initiatives: the One-Humanitarian-One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS), Emergency Cash Transfer Programme, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Ministerial Blueprint, and Humanity First Magazine.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, said the programmes mark a new approach to humanitarian intervention, with the government moving from reactive relief to proactive empowerment.
He said President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange market unification, had improved investor confidence and government revenue. However, he stressed the need to protect Nigerians from economic shocks and create lasting ways out of poverty.
Doro said poor coordination had caused some people to benefit from several programmes while others received none. Under the new system, vulnerable households will be identified, assessed and supported, then tracked through a “poverty graduation pathway” towards economic inclusion and self-reliance.
Speaking at the event, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu said the five initiatives would improve the wellbeing of vulnerable Nigerians.
Her words: “Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, our nation is implementing far-reaching reforms to strengthen the economy, lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth, and shared prosperity.
“As these reforms continue to take effect, we must recognize that, given the size of our population and available resources, many families still face challenges and require our collective support”.
She said HOPE-SP would provide immediate support while helping households move towards recovery and economic independence.
Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu called for stronger coordination among all levels of government, while Borno Governor Babagana Zulum stressed that poverty and inequality must be addressed to achieve lasting peace and security.
