The Federal Government has released over ₦11.58 billion for the implementation of the Renewed Hope Social Security Grant in Jigawa State, with 178,342 beneficiaries targeted across the state’s 37 local government areas.

The State Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Auwal Sanka, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the progress of the programme.

Sanka said the initiative initially captured 254,413 less-privileged households before the beneficiary list was revised to cover 178,342 people across the state.

He disclosed that implementation began in January 2026, with 126,639 households fully settled during the first phase of the programme.

“We are currently in the second phase of the programme. A total of 25,300 payment cards are under distribution to registered beneficiaries, and we hope to complete this before the end of August,” he said.

According to the commissioner, beneficiaries under the second phase will receive a combined grant of ₦1.9975 billion in accordance with the programme’s guidelines.

He explained that President Bola Tinubu had increased the grant from ₦10,000 per payment cycle to ₦25,000 to reflect prevailing economic realities and market conditions.

Sanka said the Renewed Hope Social Security Grant was designed to support vulnerable households in improving their livelihoods and strengthening nutrition security.

He added that the initiative was also expected to stimulate economic activities at the grassroots, noting that 99 per cent of the funds was projected to be spent within local communities.

“If you inject such an amount of money into the local economy, it will have multidimensional positive impacts on rural and national productivity, thereby supporting GDP growth,” he said.

The commissioner explained that supporting household consumption would indirectly stimulate production, leading to increased job opportunities, wealth creation, economic growth and development.

“So this programme is not only humanitarian but also an economic strategy for egalitarian and sustainable development,” Sanka stated.

He commended the Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, for providing the necessary support and enabling environment for the successful implementation of the programme.

According to him, feedback and testimonials from communities indicate that the intervention is already improving the lives of beneficiary families.

“Thanks to President Tinubu, thanks to Governor Namadi, thanks to members of our team, and all stakeholders who contributed to making this dream a reality,” Sanka said.

The commissioner assured that the state would continue to monitor the implementation of the programme and keep policymakers and members of the public informed of its progress to support proper assessment and future planning.