President Muhammadu Buhari has earmarked a total of N500 billion on social services to provide for the unemployed youths and other groups in 2016 as part of the All Progressive Congress (APC) campaign promises.
The N500 billion proposals was contained in the 2016-2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, the President sent to the National Assembly (NASS).
The document President explained that the social welfare programme would implement in phases but was not clear if it was part of the administration promise to pay each unemployed person in the country N5, 000 monthly.
The document stated that 500 billion would also take care of the school feeding programme initiative as well as the “conditional cash transfer to the most vulnerable and a post-NYSC grant.”
The scheme, the president disclosed would begin in 2016, adding that the Federal Government work towards securing the support of donor agencies and development partners to minimise potential risks.
According to the statements, “Government will institute policies to ensure that our students learn skills and provide funds and equipment that will make them self-employed upon graduation. This will be supported by a post NYSC grant.”.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives will today Wednesday December 9, 2016 begin debate on the MTEF and FSP on Wednesday (today).
The House decided to debate the issue after the Speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara read the President’s letter to members.
According to Dogara, “We will all agree that this is very important and urgent. The clerk should circulate copies of the MTEF and FSP to all members today, preparatory for the debate tomorrow (today).”
