From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has proposed a social investment package estimated at about ₦8.55 billion, targeting 281,750 beneficiaries across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas.
This was disclosed by Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris.
According to the Commissioner, The proposal is contained in a summary of proposed beneficiaries and cost estimates for various Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs), covers social transfers, livelihood support, climate-smart public works, community infrastructure, agricultural inputs and expansion of the State Social Register.
“Under the Social Cash Transfer Unit (SCTU), DLI 1.1 is expected to benefit 5,000 people across the 21 LGAs at a projected cost of ₦1.237 billion.
“Another SCTU component, DLI 1.3A, targets 15,000 beneficiaries for livelihood support across the state, with an estimated cost of ₦2 billion.
“The Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW) component, under DLI 1.5A, is projected to engage 3,400 beneficiaries across the 21 LGAs in climate-smart public works, at a cost of approximately ₦1.088 billion.
“Similarly, the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), through DLI 1.4A, is expected to support community basic services and infrastructure. The programme proposes 1,000 beneficiaries per community across the 21 LGAs, with an estimated cost of ₦2.072 billion.
“The FADAMA component, covering DLI 2.1 and DLI 2.3, is projected to benefit 7,350 people across the state through support for agricultural inputs and assets, at an estimated cost of ₦1.854 billion.
“Meanwhile, the State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU), under DLI 4.1 and DLI 4.2, is expected to cover 250,000 beneficiaries across the 21 LGAs through the expansion of the State Social Register. The component has an estimated cost of ₦300.55 million.
“The proposed interventions are expected to strengthen social protection, improve livelihoods, support vulnerable households, promote climate-smart employment and boost agricultural activities across communities in Kogi State” The commissioner hinted.
