TheCable

The National Social Investment Office (NSIO) says the social investment programmes are being upgraded to a full ministry status to ensure sustainability.

In his Independence Day broadcast, President Muhammadu Buhari had hinted that the N-SIP might be moved from the office of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo to the ministry of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development.

The programme, which is seen as one of the major avenues through which the current administration is empowering the masses, is currently being coordinated by the office of the VP.

In a statement on Tuesday, Justice Bibiye, communications manager of NSIO, said the impact of the SIPs has attracted the attention of the rest of the world and gained global recognition.

“In a strategy aimed at ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the Buhari administration’s Social Investment Programmes, the schemes are being upgraded to a full ministry status with the take-off of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development,” he said.

“Endorsed by the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank and the World Economic Forum, as a testament of its national impact in Africa’s most populous country, the National Social Investment Programmes (N-SIP) truly embodies what it means to go global while making a local impact.

“At inception, the Office of the Vice President was responsible for overseeing the N-SIP since 2016, while issues of funding, contract awards and procurement had always been undertaken by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.

“Indeed the Social Investment Programmes have also been recognized by several local and international organisations for empowering Nigerians and meeting the urgent needs of Nigerians in different areas including providing employment, supporting small businesses and poverty alleviation.

“The impact of the SIPs has duly attracted the attention of the rest of the world.

“Organisations like Action Aid (Nigeria), of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) have all commended the NSIP for its nationwide social impact

“Indeed, millions of Nigerians can testify on the impact of the largest social welfare programme in sub-Saharan Africa.

“This is because, since its implementation in 2016, the N-SIPs have impacted over 12 million direct beneficiaries and over 30 million indirect beneficiaries, comprising family members, employees of beneficiaries, cooks and farmers.”