The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its plans to extend the benefits of the Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme to the families of fallen Nigerian soldiers and members of the Nigerian Legion.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, during her visit to the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.
Dr. Edu, accompanied by her media aide, Mr. Rasheed Zubair, conveyed that this decision is aligned with the administration of President Bola Tinubu, which is committed to supporting vulnerable ex-servicemen, widows, and the dependents of fallen heroes. She emphasized the government’s desire to provide assistance to these deserving groups who have sacrificed for their nation.
As part of this initiative, the minister has called for the collection of accurate data on the affected families of ex-servicemen. This data will be instrumental in the ongoing verification of the national social register, allowing for the inclusion of these families in the program.
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President Tinubu has directed the expansion of the national social register to encompass these vulnerable groups, thereby enabling them to access vital social intervention programs.
“This is in line Mr President’s agenda and I am here to inform you that the programme has been expanded to accommodate retirees of this Ministry, especially deceased families.
“Government intends to support their wives to start up small businesses that will help their children stay in school and provide basic health care” she said.
Furthermore, she unveiled the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme (GEEP), with the primary goal of assisting small-scale businesses across the nation.
Dr. Edu also urged the Ministry to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian workers during their field operations.
In an earlier statement, Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, lauded the Humanitarian Ministry’s initiatives to support the families of fallen heroes. He pledged to enhance cooperation with the humanitarian ministry to alleviate the challenges faced by Nigerians.
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“Including the retirees in the welfare scheme which will go a long way to renewed the hope of retired officers, their families and motivate the working officers to secure the Nigeria territorial integrity,” Abubakar said.
Addressing the audience, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, conveyed his appreciation to the Federal Government for the inclusion of retirees in the CCT scheme.
Jubril said, “The Nigerian Legion is the last hope for retired officers, which keeps increasing by the day.
“We need medical care and a decent livelihood for our members, this organ of the Military, that is the Army, Airforce and Navy retirees needs government support.”
