The Federal Government has officially launched the Grant for Vulnerable Groups (GVG), a social intervention programme designed to support millions of disadvantaged Nigerians with financial assistance, starter packs, and other livelihood support under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The programme, launched through the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), is aimed at reducing the impact of economic hardship on vulnerable citizens across the country, particularly women, youths, persons living with disabilities, elderly citizens, widows, and low-income households.
Speaking during the launch, the National Programme Manager of GVG, Hajiya Aishat Alubankudi, said the initiative was created to provide support and economic opportunities for vulnerable Nigerians struggling with the current economic realities.
According to her, the programme reflects the Federal Government’s “commitment to reducing poverty, expanding economic opportunities, and building a more inclusive and resilient Nigeria.”
She explained that the scheme would help beneficiaries become financially independent through grants, starter packs, and targeted support capable of improving household livelihoods.
Also speaking at the event, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA, Professor Badamasi Lawal, described the grant scheme as a major step in strengthening Nigeria’s social investment programmes.
“This programme is a statement of purpose. It is a confirmation that even the smallest enterprise can grow into something meaningful when people are given the right support,” he said.
Representing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding targeted interventions for vulnerable Nigerians.
“It is a reaffirmation of government’s responsibility to support those who are most vulnerable in our society. It reflects a deliberate shift from broad interventions to targeted, people-centred actions that respond directly to the realities of Nigerians most in need,” he said.
Some beneficiaries who attended the launch expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, describing the intervention as timely.
“One thing about this empowerment is that it will help people become self-reliant so they can support themselves and their families,” one beneficiary said.
Another beneficiary added, “This is a very big favour to me. I was not expecting this, but I am happy to be here today.”
The event featured goodwill messages from stakeholders and symbolic presentations of grant support to selected beneficiaries.
Directors and programme managers from across the federation attended the launch alongside several dignitaries, including Professor Badamasi Lawal, Hajiya Aishat Alubankudi, representatives of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the APC National Deputy Women Leader, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, and other stakeholders.
According to NSIPA, the GVG programme is expected to reach more than 8 million vulnerable Nigerians across the 774 Local Government Areas of the country.
Target beneficiaries include persons with disabilities, unemployed and underemployed Nigerians, women, youths, retirees, wounded and retired security personnel, widows, internally displaced persons, senior citizens, and individuals captured in the National Social Register (NSR).
The government said the programme is designed to ensure nationwide coverage, transparency, and equitable access for vulnerable groups affected by poverty, conflict, disaster, and economic hardship.
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