The National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) has begun preparations for a strategic identification and validation exercise under the Grant for Vulnerable Groups (GVG) programme in Zamfara State, ahead of its planned flag-off in selected communities and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
The National Programme Manager of GVG, Hajia Aisha Alubankudi, led a delegation of NSIPA officials on courtesy visits to the Chief of Staff to the Zamfara State Governor, Hon. Muktar Lugga, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Abubakar Nakwada, at the Government House, Gusau.
During the visits, Alubankudi conveyed the greetings of NSIPA National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, Associate Professor Badamasi Lawal, and commended the state government for supporting the agency’s programmes.
She said Zamfara was among the pilot states selected for the field exercise, designed to ensure vulnerable people are identified through a credible, transparent and community-driven process.
“The GVG, a flagship programme of NSIPA, is now becoming a household name. This exercise is to ensure that only the truly vulnerable are captured,” Alubankudi said.
She added that similar exercises would be replicated in Katsina, Osun, Kogi, Cross River, Borno and other states.
Alubankudi also disclosed that, as part of humanitarian support, the GVG programme would provide starter packs containing ₦10,000 each to some vulnerable people in IDP camps in Zamfara. She said the assistance was intended to cushion hardship and promote financial inclusion among those captured.
The announcement did not specify an application portal, registration deadline or process for members of the public to apply directly. Residents should await verified guidance from NSIPA and relevant state authorities rather than assume the identification exercise is an open application.
Lugga and Nakwada welcomed the delegation and pledged the Zamfara State Government’s cooperation to ensure the exercise succeeds. They described the initiative as timely and consistent with the state’s social protection agenda.
The delegation included NSIPA Director of Finance and Accounts, Umar Mkailu; Deputy Director and Head of Press and Public Relations, Attari M. Hope; and Assistant Director of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Muhammed Zakari. Other members included Sofiu Olowu, Ehiaguena Ebojie, Rabiu Yakubu, Ahmed Kayode Issa and Ismail Thani, personal assistant to the National Programme Manager.
The team was expected to visit Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, the following day, ahead of the commencement of the identification and validation exercise in selected communities and IDP camps, as preparations continue locally.