*We’re processing payment for outstanding beneficiaries – Keyamo
Months after the expiration of the Extended Special Public Works (ESPW) programme, popularly known as the 774,000 jobs, some beneficiaries of the programme have lamented that they have not been paid their stipends.
The Federal Government in January, this year flagged off the 774, 000 jobs with each participant expected to receive N20, 000 each within the next three months.
But some of beneficiaries in separate interviews with with TheIdeal, lamented that they had not received a dime from the money earmarked for the national project in the last three months.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), had said the sum of N52billion was earmarked in the 2020 Budget for the programme.
It was further gathered that 1,000 persons are to be employed from each of the 774 Local Government Areas in the country for the programme, which is said to be a post-COVID-19 poverty alleviation initiative and approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The programme was flagged off on January 5 and was expected to lapse in March. But as at the time of filling this report, many beneficiaries told TheIdeal that they have not been paid.
One of the beneficiaries from Kogi State, who spoke on anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, said, “Majority of us have not been paid.”
Another beneficiary from Benue State simply said, “We are still waiting for the payment of our stipends.”
But Keyamo while speaking at the opening of a three-day training/meeting of zonal directors and state coordinators of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), last week, admitted that there have been some challenges with implementation.
He said, “You will agree with me that the road has been rough but our resolve, determination and tenacity to ensure that the benefits of the programme reach the target groups will remain a reference point for a very long time to come.
“But let me also quickly add that it is not yet Uhuru. We still have a few difficult corners to navigate as we complete the payment process for those who are yet to receive their stipends.
