The Federal Government has launched the Grant for Vulnerable Groups (GVG) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, providing starter packs and credit alerts to more than 100 vulnerable households in Abuja.
The initiative, implemented through the National Social Investment Programme Agency, is aimed at helping vulnerable households transition from survival to economic stability and sustained participation in productive activities.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Deputy Director and Head of Information and Public Relations, Attari M. Hope, the programme will be implemented across all 774 Local Government Areas of the country to expand economic opportunities for vulnerable populations.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, described the initiative as a reaffirmation of government’s responsibility to support vulnerable citizens.
He said the programme reflects a deliberate shift from broad interventions to targeted, people-centred actions that directly address the realities faced by Nigerians most in need.
“The objective is to provide direct financial support and starter inputs to the poorest and most vulnerable households, enabling them to meet immediate needs, stabilise livelihoods, and progress towards self-reliance,” he said.
He added that the initiative should not be viewed as charity but as “strategic social investment in dignity, resilience, and national stability.”
National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA, Assoc. Prof. Badamasi Lawal, said the programme underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that governance positively impacts ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, the GVG initiative represents more than an intervention programme, noting that even small businesses can serve as pathways to dignity and economic empowerment.
“Support at the right moment can restore hope, while economic inclusion remains one of the strongest tools for reducing poverty and strengthening social stability,” he stated.
Also speaking, the National Programme Manager of GVG, Hajia Aishat Alubankudi, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for entrusting NSIPA with the implementation of the programme.
She noted that the initiative comes at a time when many households are facing severe economic challenges.
“Poverty limits productivity, weakens communities, and slows national development. When people are given not just relief but opportunity, they can rebuild, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the economy,” she said.
Alubankudi urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the equipment and support provided, stressing that the items were meant to improve livelihoods and not for sale.
The GVG package combines starter packs, equipment support, credit alerts, and business guidance aimed at helping beneficiaries establish and grow micro-enterprises.
NSIPA said the success of the programme would be measured not only by funds disbursed, but by businesses sustained, incomes improved, families supported, and communities transformed.
The Grant for Vulnerable Groups is part of the broader National Social Investment Programme focused on promoting social protection, economic empowerment, and inclusion across Nigeria.