FG RRR Cash Grant Payment Latest Update 21st July 2023
COVID-19 RRR Payment and Fuel Subsidy Removal Grants Update can be accessed below.
On this momentous day, July 21st, 2023, we bring you exciting updates regarding the Rapid Response Register (RRR) payment program. This comprehensive update encompasses the N30,000 RRR payment, the ASCCO COVID-19 RRR Second Batch Disbursement Update, and the Fuel Subsidy Removal Grants disbursement, all of which are part of the National Cash Transfer Programme.
COVID-19 RRR Payment: A Ray of Hope
There’s a ray of hope for the applicants of the COVID-19 RRR Payment Second Batch. The Senate has granted approval for the requested $800 Million Loan, as requested by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This remarkable development was officially announced by the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) through their verified Twitter account.
To provide context, back in November 2022, Dr. Ibraheem Adam, the temporary leader of the National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO), had emphasized the significance of the $800 Million loan obtained from the World Bank. The primary objective was to aid Nigerians and lift 100 million citizens out of poverty. Distributing this financial assistance is a crucial step towards empowering beneficiaries to overcome poverty, enhance productivity, and establish sustainable livelihoods.
Previous Update and the Fuel Subsidy Removal Grant
In our previous update, we shared details about the $800 Million Loan acquisition by the Buhari administration’s Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed. This loan is instrumental in expanding the National Social Safety Nets Programme, which includes the Fuel Subsidy Removal Grant.
While the Senate approved the release of the funds, there was a brief delay due to the transition to the President Tinubu Administration. President Tinubu sought to allocate N500 Billion from the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act to mitigate the challenges caused by the Fuel Subsidy Removal. He also urged the National Assembly to support the expansion of the National Social Safety Nets Programme (NASSP), emphasizing its potential to positively impact approximately 60 million individuals and address the prevailing hardships in the nation.
With the National Assembly’s approval of President Tinubu’s requests, the disbursement of the COVID-19 RRR Payment for the Second Batch Applicants and the Fuel Subsidy Removal Grant appears to be imminent.
What is the RRR and the Fuel Subsidy Removal Grant?
As previously discussed, the Rapid Response Register (RRR) for COVID-19 Cash Transfer is a crucial project assisted by the World Bank, initiated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. The main objective is to identify and register urban and semi-urban citizens who have lost income and are facing increased poverty due to the harsh economic impact of COVID-19.
Under the RRR Payment, beneficiaries receive N5,000 as a monthly cash transfer for six months, summing up to N30,000 in total.
On the other hand, the Fuel Subsidy Removal Grant is a vital Federal Government Grant aimed at alleviating the challenges arising from the removal of fuel subsidies, successfully implemented during the Tinubu-led Administration.
In line with the former President Buhari Administration’s plan, the Fuel Subsidy Grant would offer N5,000 per beneficiary for six months, which aligns with the structure of the Rapid Response Register (RRR) for COVID-19 Cash Transfer, resulting in a lump sum of N30,000.
President Tinubu’s recent proposal to the National Assembly involves providing N8,000 per beneficiary to approximately 12 million households for six months under the Fuel Subsidy Removal Grants Programme, which is coordinated by NASSCO under the National Social Safety Nets Programme.
Addressing Critics of the N8,000 Fuel Subsidy Removal Grant
In response to concerns raised by critics regarding the N8,000 Fuel Subsidy Removal Grant, particularly regarding the collection of vulnerable Nigerians and ensuring that the funds reach them (as some may not have bank accounts), NASSCO has clarified that vulnerable individuals already present in the National Social Register possess functional bank accounts.
Moreover, NASSCO has committed to open bank accounts for other households to be included in the cash transfer intervention register. This measure aims to ensure that the benefits of the grant reach those in need.
In conclusion, these latest updates indicate significant progress in the implementation of the COVID-19 RRR Payment and the Fuel Subsidy Removal Grants, underlining the government’s commitment to uplifting millions of Nigerians from poverty and providing critical financial assistance during challenging times.
