Dr. Betta Edu, the newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has announced the Federal Government’s ambitious goal to elevate 133 million Nigerians from poverty.
Edu revealed this statement on Monday following her assumption of office, while engaging in discussions with the leaders of agencies operating under the ministry.
She emphasized that achieving this formidable target necessitates a comprehensive array of interventions and initiatives aimed at mitigating poverty.
“What is most important is that we will keep our focus on lifting 133 million Nigerians out of poverty.
“We can do it in phases, a step at a time because with determination and strong will, nothing is impossible”, she said.
Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics underscores the extensive scope of multidimensional poverty in Nigeria, affecting 65 percent of the population.
In a departure from the previous administration, former President Muhammadu Buhari had aspired to elevate 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, a goal that ultimately proved elusive.
Stepping into the role formerly held by Sadiya Umar Farouq, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Edu now shoulders the responsibility of tackling the array of poverty-related challenges confronting the Nigerian populace.