Nigerian Govt Allocates 10% Social Intervention Funds To People With Disabilities

In a move toward inclusivity, Minister Betta Edu emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to allocating 10% of social intervention funds to empower people living with disabilities (PwDs).

Speaking in Abuja during the inauguration of empowerment programs sponsored by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Edu highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s directive, stating, “Mr. President has instructed that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation should dedicate 10 per cent of all humanitarian and poverty alleviation interventions to persons with disabilities.”

She elaborated on the initiatives, revealing that the government has initiated conditional cash transfers for 15 million households, with 10% specifically earmarked for the disability community. “Today is the flag-off of the empowerment of people living with disability,” she expressed proudly, underscoring the government’s commitment to the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’

The minister further announced support for PwDs, including the provision of POS machines and a capital injection of N100,000 to aid beneficiaries in starting their businesses.

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Additionally, N130,000 scholarships were granted to physically challenged students in tertiary institutions. Edu highlighted the effort to foster independence and self-sustainability among the disabled, stating, “Rather than begging, the PwDs will be running businesses that will empower them, their society, and everyone around them.”

She concluded by outlining upcoming interventions, including grants for disability-focused associations and the allocation of N20 million to facilitate business registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission. Minister Edu emphasized the goal of enabling PwDs to engage in business ventures that contribute positively to their communities.

In response to these measures, a beneficiary of the POS machines, Isaac Johnson, expressed gratitude, saying, “This support has opened a new chapter in our lives. Now, we can contribute meaningfully to society.”

This step signifies a concerted effort by the government to foster inclusivity and empower the disabled community, steering away from traditional charity models towards sustainable empowerment initiatives.