FG expands conditional cash transfer scheme to benefit families of fallen heroes

The Federal Government has revealed its plans to include families of Nigerian fallen soldiers and members of the Nigerian Legion in its Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme.

Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, made this statement during her visit to the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.

Edu said the move was part of the desire of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to support the vulnerable ex-servicemen, widows and the dependants of fallen heroes.

According to her, “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.”

Edu emphasized the need for accurate data on the families of ex-servicemen, urging for their inclusion in the ongoing verification of the national social register.

President Tinubu has also directed the expansion of the national social register to include these vulnerable groups, ensuring their access to various social intervention programs.

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The minister highlighted the government’s plan to assist the wives of deceased ex-servicemen in establishing small businesses.

“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.

Additionally, Edu announced the launch of the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme (GEEP) designed to aid small-scale businesses across the country.

Edu appealed to the Ministry of Defence to provide adequate security cover for humanitarian workers engaged in fieldwork.

In response, Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, commended the Humanitarian Ministry’s efforts and pledged to strengthen collaboration, emphasizing that including retirees in the welfare scheme would renew hope for retired officers and their families while motivating active officers to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for including retirees in the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme.

Jubril emphasized the Legion’s increasing need for medical care and decent livelihoods, underscoring the necessity of government support for this segment of the military community.

“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.”