Hope Agenda Hits Milestone as 900k Nigerians Benefit

The Nigerian government says more than 900,000 Nigerians have now benefited from its Presidential Conditional Grant and Loan Scheme, a cornerstone project under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The initiative targets small traders, artisans, and youth-led businesses, aiming to tackle poverty while boosting grassroots enterprise.

Speaking during a national conference in Minna, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, explained that the scheme is not a mere promise but a “working blueprint already delivering measurable opportunities to Nigerians.”

He noted that the intervention serves as a key tool to strengthen Nigeria’s informal economy, which remains vital to everyday livelihoods across the country. The programme combines grants and low-interest loans to help entrepreneurs scale up operations, hire more workers, and remain financially afloat.

Economic Pillars Beyond Loans

The minister said the grant programme is just one part of the wider economic retooling plan of the current administration. He added that over 300,000 students have now benefited from the Students’ Loan Scheme, a programme designed to break financial barriers in accessing university education.

The government has also recapitalised the Bank of Agriculture with ₦1.5 trillion, in a bid to increase agricultural lending. This is expected to lift farmers and agro-based businesses through targeted support for food production and rural economic resilience.

Further, Malagi spotlighted the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development, which is projected to unlock up to ₦30 trillion in untapped value across the meat, dairy, and animal husbandry value chains. Officials hope this move will fuel rural jobs, private investment, and reduce Nigeria’s import burden.

Despite facing backlash over the removal of fuel subsidies, the government believes the policy has freed up fiscal space. Malagi argued that the decision—though tough—has channelled funds into education, health, and infrastructure, while allowing states to expand their capital projects.

“These decisions were not easy, but they were necessary. We are beginning to see the results in terms of development projects and better services,” the minister said.