The Federal Government has launched the Grant for Vulnerable Groups (GVG) as part of measures to cushion economic pressures and foster self-reliance.
The flag-off ceremony held in the nation’s capital, Abuja, saw over 100 vulnerable households receiving vocational starter packs and direct credit alerts to start their micro-enterprises.
The initiative, spearheaded by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), is a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The GVG is a signature national initiative aimed at helping vulnerable families move from mere survival to stability, and ultimately to sustained economic participation.
The programme is set to be implemented across all 774 Local Government Areas of the country, with a clear goal: to expand opportunity for Nigeria’s vulnerable populations.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, described the initiative as more than just a government intervention. “It is a reaffirmation of the government’s responsibility to support those who are most vulnerable in our society,” he said. “It reflects a deliberate shift from broad interventions to targeted, people-centred action that responds directly to the realities of Nigerians most in need.”
According to a statement from the Ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Attari Hope, the Minister further explained that the initiative aims to provide direct financial support and starter inputs to the poorest households, enabling them to meet immediate needs, stabilize their livelihoods, and move toward self-reliance. “This is not charity. It is strategic social investment in dignity, resilience, and national stability,” he added.
Associate Professor Badamasi Lawal, National Coordinator and CEO of NSIPA, noted that the launch reaffirms the government’s commitment to making governance felt in the daily lives of ordinary citizens. “The Grant for Vulnerable Groups is not just an intervention; it is a statement of purpose. Even the smallest enterprise can become a pathway to dignity. Support at the right moment can restore hope, and economic inclusion remains one of the strongest tools for reducing poverty and strengthening social stability,” he stated.
Hajia Aishat Alubankudi, National Programme Manager of the GVG, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting NSIPA with the programme’s implementation. She emphasized that the GVG comes at a critical time when many households are facing real economic pressures.
“Poverty limits productivity, weakens communities, and slows national development. When people are given not just relief but opportunity, they can rebuild, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. That is the idea behind the Grant for Vulnerable Groups,” she said.
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She also urged beneficiaries to use the equipment and support for their intended purpose, warning, “The equipment provided is not for sale. It is a tool for your progress.”
The GVG package combines immediate input support—including starter packs and equipment—with credit alerts and follow-up guidance to help beneficiaries stabilize and grow their micro-enterprises.
The statement said NSIPA will monitor outcomes based on real-world impact, measuring success by the number of businesses sustained, incomes strengthened, families supported, and communities transformed—rather than by funds disbursed alone.
The GVG is part of the broader National Social Investment Programme, focused on social protection, economic empowerment, and inclusion.
The programme is scheduled for rollout across all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.
