The Federal Government has recorded significant progress in improving the lives of Nigerians through its National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy (NPRGS) program, according to Dr. Vitalis Obi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Speaking at an evaluative workshop in Awka, Dr. Obi highlighted the impact of the NPRGS initiative, which has empowered thousands of Nigerians with vocational training and economic opportunities. The workshop brought together beneficiaries and implementers to assess the program’s successes, challenges, and areas for improvement. Among the attendees were 40 beneficiaries, part of a larger 500-person cohort trained in 2024 in diverse skill sets, including soap making, confectionery, welding, dry-season farming, agro-processing, and paint production.
Dr. Obi emphasized that the NPRGS is a crucial intervention aimed at lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within a decade through macroeconomic stabilization, industrialization, trade expansion, and redistributive policies. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, job creation, and national prosperity, stressing that the initiative is already yielding tangible results. Evaluations show a 25-30% increase in crop yields and that over 60% of technical and vocational graduates have secured employment, significantly boosting economic activities across various sectors.
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Calling for proactive, innovative, and collaborative efforts, Dr. Obi praised implementing agencies and beneficiaries, crediting their resilience and dedication as key drivers of the program’s success. Hajiya Olusumbo Ayinde-Yakub, Director of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Department, explained that the program is being executed through partnerships with the National Directorate of Employment, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the National Productivity Centre, and the Industrial Training Fund. She noted that the workshop provided a comprehensive review of the intervention’s impact, efficiency, and sustainability, particularly on beneficiaries and their communities.
Several beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, acknowledging the life-changing opportunities the program has provided. Mr. Kelechi Nwankwo, trained in welding, praised the government’s initiative but urged for financial support to establish his own business. Similarly, Mrs. Adobi Ezenwa, trained in spray painting, expressed appreciation for the government’s willingness to receive feedback, noting that she requires N2.5 million to start her business and called for a start-up funding package.
Mrs. Stella Ugwu, Coordinator of the National Productivity Centre, highlighted the NPRGS’s role in expanding small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and enhancing value creation. While acknowledging funding challenges, she emphasized that the beneficiaries’ earning potential has increased, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in driving economic empowerment and sustainable development.
