Niger Govt holds SIP despite suspension of funding by FG

Niger Government has continued to implement the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) despite the suspension of its funding by the Federal Government.

Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser and Focal Person of the NSIP in Niger State, disclosed this during a two-day capacity training for staff of SIP office in Minna on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the training was, “Enhancing team performance and accountability for effective social investment programme implementation.

President Bola Tinubu had, in January, suspended the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP) due to allegations of sharp practice in the management of the NSIP and its programmes.

Bako said the theme of this year programme was timely and relevant as the state prepared to wrap up the year and lay a strong foundation for 2025.

She said that the SIP office, in delivering on its core mandates, had empowered the vulnerable and provided sustainable solutions to their needs across the state.

She commended Gov. Umaru Bago for his support in sustaining the programme.

She said the governor’s support had enabled the programme to continue its operations, with over 400 young farmers benefiting from the soilless agriculture initiative under the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture.

Bako SIP in Niger had also partnered with the Ministry of Education to improve soilless agriculture in public schools and training for over 4,000 youths across the state.

She encouraged participants to actively engage in the training, share their insights, and commit to implementing what they have learned.

In his remarks, Alhaji Ahmed Yimu, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, urged the public support the programme to enable it achieve its objectives.