By Francis Nansak, Lafia
No fewer than 38,000 persons in Nasarawa State are to benefit from the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer programme aimed at cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
In Keffi Local Government Area, beneficiaries of the scheme on Saturday commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling his promise to ensure that vulnerable Nigerians benefit from subsidy removal gains.
The disbursement exercise, which took place at the premises of the Keffi Local Government Council Secretariat, saw over 600 beneficiaries shortlisted for payment in the area.
One of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Salau Umar, who spoke with our correspondent, said the Tinubu administration has demonstrated capacity in human capital and infrastructural development.
“I was at home today when I was invited to the palace of my district head and told that my name was among those shortlisted for the Renewed Hope Intervention Programme. I came with my card, my picture was verified through their system and I was paid N25,000,” he said.
Umar called on the people of Nasarawa State to appreciate President Tinubu and the APC administration in the state under Governor Abdullahi Sule, while urging them to support the governorship ambition of Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu in 2027.
Speaking at the event, the Nasarawa State Payment Officer, Mr. Dennis Dashu Ayele, said the programme was designed by the Presidency to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
“You will recall that the President promised to pay N25,000 for three months to vulnerable Nigerians. We are here in Keffi to make the payment through two microfinance banks, namely TagPay Microfinance Bank and Mintin Microfinance Bank,” he said.
According to him, four microfinance banks are handling payments across Nasarawa State, targeting over 38,000 beneficiaries with verified cards.
He added that Fortis Microfinance Bank had in August submitted over 90,000 cards and completed payments under the first phase, while the current exercise is a continuation of the President’s promise.
Earlier, the Keffi Desk Officer, Mr. Levinus Kuso, said 646 beneficiaries had so far been duly shortlisted in Keffi, urging residents to remain calm and patient as the exercise is ongoing.
