3rd May, 2024
The Lagos State Government says the sum of N1,346,030,000 has so far been disbursed to 11,386 indigent households in 12 local government areas, through the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT).
The CCT aims at responding to deficiencies in capacity and lack of investment in the human capital of poor and vulnerable households.
Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe disclosed this at a news conference in Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday.
The benefitting LGs are: Apapa, Amuwo-Odofin, Ajeromo Ifelodun, Agege, Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Island, Shomolu, Ifako-liaye and Alimosho.
Ajibotafe said the The State Cash Transfer Unit (SCTU) of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment was created and assigned to implement the Household Uplifting Programme (HUP) otherwise known as CCT which commenced in the State with its inauguration on the 15th April, 2020.
He said the Unit is also currently implementing Social Transfer to vulnerable individuals under the World bank assisted programme tagged NG CARES.
“The implementation of the CCT programme in the above 12 LGs has culminated in disbursement of N1,346,030,000.00. The implementation of CCT programme hos contributed to the improved livelihood condition of beneficiaries through Savings Group Mobilization activities in the 6 Pilot LGS namely; Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Island, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa, and Badagry.
“The Unit has also implemented NG CARES programme where social transfer to 2,145 beneficiaries in Eti-Osa, Kosofe, Mainland, Iru Victoria Island, Agboyi-Ketu, Ikosi Isheri and Yaba LCDA was effected. The implementation of the above NG CARES in the 7 targeted LGs/LCDAs has resulted in the disbursement of Three Hundred and Forty Three Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N343, 200,000) only,” he stated.
Ajigbotafe also disclosed that the state government has so far spent N4 billion in the development of Lagos Industrial Leather Hub.
He said the Ministry in staying true to its mandate is tackling challenges militating against the growth and development of Nano, Micro, Small and Medium Scale businesses, especially the informal sector with initiatives developed to aid Startups, Artisans and Entrepreneurship development in the State.
Ajigbotafe explained that one of such major initiatives was the establishment of Industrial Hubs, which entails creating a congregation of related enterprises in an identified location for enhanced productivity, wealth creation and business development through provision of access to business accommodation, workshop, standard equipment and infrastructural facilities at affordable costs.
“A multiplier effect is to create value chains in such enterprises such as Leather works. The State Government is about to complete the construction and development of Lagos Industrial Leather Hub at Motori, Mushin, to create employment, develop capacity of artisans and provide necessary equipment and infrastructure for MSMEs operating in the leather value chain.
“The Hub facilities include the production area with industrial equipment (for mass production of leather products) and shopping area that comprises shops, training rooms, work stations, office space, showroom etc. Currently, the project is about 90% completed and it is billed to be commissioned soon,” he said.