Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, says plans are underway to rejig the N-Power scheme to accommodate more people and ensure prompt payment of beneficiaries’ stipends.

Ms Edu disclosed this in a statement on Sunday by her Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Rasheed Zubair, in Abuja.

The statement reported the minister as saying that the challenges faced by N-Power beneficiaries in terms of delays in payment of their stipends would soon be addressed.

“We will change the modalities so that people will get their delayed stipends, include more people, and relaunch it with a renewed hope concept,” she said.

She also said the ministry planned to establish humanitarian hubs across the 774 local government areas in the country, adding that would be a long-term goal towards eradicating poverty in Nigeria.

She explained that the hubs would accommodate homegrown commodities, which would be sold at cheaper rates to Nigerians.

The statement also said the ministry would send its staff to all the local government areas to get feedback in addition to engaging in digital tracking of the palliatives.

According to the statement, the digital tracking of the palliatives is aimed at determining the time, location, household, and individuals they are delivered to.

”This is to ensure transparent and effective disbursement of palliatives; we also plan to bring on board independent monitors to ensure the relief materials reach those in need.

“Under my watch, the ministry will address poverty through job creation and cash transfers to poor Nigerians.

”We will ensure engagement with the nutrition department, the establishment of micro, small, and medium enterprises, and the provision of stimulus to their businesses.”

She assured Nigerians of her commitment to curtail the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria through a prompt response.

“Nigerians should be rest assured that all existing empowerment schemes within the National Investment Programme will be rejigged to cover more people effectively.

Ms Edu assured Nigerians of President Bola Tinubu administration’s huge economic interventions to meet their short- and long-term needs.

“Mr President has a huge economic plan for Nigeria, some with short-term goals and some with long-term goals and Nigerians should please trust the process.”

(NAN)