FG begins recruitment of 774,000 unemployed Nigerians

The Federal government has began the recruitment of unskilled unemployed Nigerians who are going to be engaged in cleaning of streets, roads and markets. The program tagged Special Public Works (SPW), is managed by the Ministry of State for Labour and Productivity. The minister in charge of the ministry Barr. Festus Keyamo (SAN) at different fora said the aim of the program is to alleviate and ameliorate hardship faced by Nigerians due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to him, 1000 persons would be employed from each of the 774 LGAs in the country, getting a monthly stipend of N20,000 in each of the three months the program is to last. Enrollment and payment will begin in October and lasts till December 2020.

Now that the program has commenced, applicants are trooping in their numbers to pick the form to apply. But the problem is that the form does not have provision where applicants can fill out their bank details, which will be monitored by BVN to help the ministry to know how to pay each successful applicants and if an applicant is receiving salary elsewhere. A visit to one of the centres in Rivers State, applicants were seen complaining about the form. Some said they did not believe the program would be a reality as the form looked amateur and unreal.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State government through it’s representative in the program, had accused the APC faithfuls in the state of hijacking the process. It said they have made it impossible for poor Rivers indegenes to benefit, rather it was making plans to favour only their members and cronies.

From the form above, it is easy to believe that the program in Rivers State may be solely for party faithfuls. The form has no email, bank details and BVN of applicants. Applicants are worried and wondering how they are going to to be contacted if they are successful. The scheme is already receiving public outcry and condemnation.

Since the program has already started, ensure you run to your LGA to pick the form.

Best of luck.