Transport workers to get N4.9b

By Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

The Federal Government is set to disburse N4.9 billion to transport sector workers and operators as part of efforts to cushion the effects of Covid-19.

Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) President Degun Agboade stated on Monday this in Abakaliki.

Agboade, who is a member of the Steering Committee of the MSMEs Survival Fund and Guarantee Off-take scheme, spoke at the launch of the transport sector track of the scheme.

He said 4,500 transport sector workers will benefit from the scheme in each of the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Agboade, who was represented by a member of the Board of Trustees of NASME, Mr. Ubadigbo Okonkwo, said the Federal Government will disburse a one-time grant of N30,000 to each of the beneficiaries across the federation.

“The Federal government through the Steering Committee of the MSMEs Survival Fund and Guarantee Off-take scheme will ensure that key agencies and organisations like SMEDAN will be actively involved in the process to ensure that the money get to the intended target groups”, he said.

He listed the target beneficiaries as drivers in the transport sector, including okada and tricycle drivers.