The national cash transfer office says it is collaborating with the Ogun government to strengthen the implementation of the National Social Safety Nets Programme Scale-Up (NASSP-SU).

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on Thursday in Abeokuta, the Ogun head of service, Kehinde Onasanya, said it was important to ensure that conditional cash transfers reached the rightful beneficiaries.

The forum is designed to sensitise stakeholders and create awareness on the National Social Safety Nets Programme Scale-Up (NASSP-SU) in Ogun.

Mr Onasanya, represented by Jola Oyeneye, permanent secretary, public transformation office, noted that countries worldwide often implement measures to mitigate the impact of hardship on their citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.

He urged the programme managers to ensure that the laudable step by government was not thwarted by unscrupulous elements.

He assured that the state government under the leadership of Gov. Dapo Abiodun remains committed to transparent implementation of the programme.

Also speaking, the commissioner for special duties, Funmi Efuwape described the initiative as a “lifeline for the poor and vulnerable.”

According to Ms Efuwape, the gesture reflects government’s commitment to poverty alleviation but stressed the need for more awareness.

“This programme is a way of giving back to the people. It is meant for those at the very bottom who are struggling to feed themselves.

“However, I think more awareness is needed because some beneficiaries are not even aware of their eligibility.

“This time, we will involve ward chairmen at the grassroots level to drive the process,” she said.

Funmi Baker, programme manager for cash transfer in Ogun, said the programme targets 15 million poor and vulnerable households identified from the national social register.

“Some people may think the money is too small, but what N1,000 means to you is different from what it means to rural dwellers.

“Initially, the federal government gave N5,000 monthly to poor and vulnerable households, and we have seen families that started small businesses with it.

“Since 2023, under President Bola Tinubu, the amount has been increased to 25,000, to be disbursed three times, making a total of N75,000 per household,” she said.

One of the participants and a community leader from Abeokuta South Local Government, Adedamola Fatai, described the programme as “well-organised”.

Mr Fatai commended the arrangements made to ensure Community Development Associations (CDAs) are captured.

(NAN)