The Niger State government has earmarked the sum of 193million Naira to support its sustainability plan for Cash Transfer Program, CTP and achieve increase in child enrolment in basic schools.

The State Coordinator, Idris Azika made this known in Sokoto State while speaking on sustainability plan of the State on Cash transfer program.

He also stated that the Governor of Niger State had given a matching order on the release of the sum of 50million Naira for the payment of the first tranche of the CTP.

According to Azika, “already the governor of Niger state has given a matching order that the sum of 50million naira be approved for the payment of the first tranche and we have been given assurance that this money will be released and we by then will go ahead with our sustainability plans”

“the 193million naira is for subsequent years and this will cover  the three years of implementation, our sustainability plan is made in a way that it will cover for 3years and the fund includes both operational cost and the money that will be given to beneficiaries.” 

Speaking on the impact of the UNICEF and Qatar funded Cash transfer program, Azika stated that the program has contributed to the development of children in the State, particularly girls.

“Cash Transfer Program has increase attendance in our basic schools and the retention rate is also higher now. We have also recorded smooth transition of children into secondary school” he said.

About 12,314 girls have benefitted from the UNICEF cash transfer program.

The Cash Transfer Program is a UNICEF and Department For International Development, DFID supported girl’s education programme, aimed at encouraging parents to send their daughters to school.