FG empowers citizens through NPRGS programme – Ministry

By Chimezie Anaso

The Federal Government has improved lives through its National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy (NPRGS) programme.

Dr Vitalis Obi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, stated this during an evaluative workshop in Awka on Tuesday with NPRGS beneficiaries and implementers.

About 40 beneficiaries attended the workshop, out of no fewer than 500 individuals trained in various skill sets under the programme in 2024.

Participants received training in soap making, confectionery, welding, dry-season farming, agro-processing, paint production, and other problem-solving skills.

Obi said the event provided a platform for reflection, learning, and discussions on the successes, challenges, and lessons from the NPRGS implementation.

He described the NPRGS as a key initiative aimed at lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within a decade through macroeconomic stabilisation, industrialisation, trade, and redistributive policies.

“This reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, job creation, and national prosperity,” he said.

In line with these objectives, the programme has been strategically implemented through five critical components.

“Recent field evaluations show a 25–30 per cent increase in crop yields, with over 60 per cent of technical and vocational graduates securing employment, significantly boosting economic activities,” he added.

He stressed the need for proactive, innovative, and collaborative efforts to tackle challenges through evidence-based policy reforms.

“I commend our implementing agencies and, most importantly, the beneficiaries. Your resilience and commitment drive the success of this programme,” he said.

Also, Hajiya Olusumbo Ayinde-Yakub noted that the programme was implemented by the National Directorate of Employment, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the National Productivity Centre, and the Industrial Training Fund.

Ayinde-Yakub, Director of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Department, said the meeting aimed to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and steps to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This evaluative workshop assesses the impact, efficiency, and sustainability of the intervention, particularly its effect on beneficiaries and their communities,” she said.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, saying the programme had positively impacted their lives.

Mr Kelechi Nwankwo, trained in welding, thanked the President but stated he needed funding to establish his business.

Mrs Adobi Ezenwa also appreciated the government for allowing beneficiaries to provide feedback on the programme.

Ezenwa, trained in spray painting, said she required N2.5 million to start her business and urged the government to consider a start-up package.

Mrs Stella Ugwu, Coordinator of the National Productivity Centre, said the NPRGS had expanded the scope of small and medium enterprises and enhanced value creation.

Ugwu acknowledged that while funding might be insufficient, beneficiaries’ capacity to earn had increased due to their enhanced productive capabilities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)