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The Jigawa State Government has cautioned residents against paying any fee to register for the President’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, insisting that the process is entirely free of charge.
The warning follows reports that some individuals, posing as enumerators, are demanding money from unsuspecting applicants seeking to benefit from the initiative, which promises a N50,000 support package for eligible residents.
In a statement issued on Monday in Dutse, the State Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa, emphasised that registration into the programme does not attract any form of payment.
He stated, “The registration is free, without collecting any single kobo from the public,” stressing that any demand for money is a violation of the programme’s guidelines.
Musa disclosed that the government had received complaints that certain enumerators were collecting N500 from applicants during the registration process.
“Some enumerators are demanding N500 from those being registered, which is illegal,” he said, describing the act as unacceptable and contrary to the objectives of the scheme.
The commissioner warned those involved in such practices to desist immediately or face sanctions, noting that the government would not tolerate any attempt to exploit residents under the guise of the programme.
He also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any individual or group requesting payment for registration, assuring that appropriate action would be taken against offenders.
According to him, the initiative was designed to improve the welfare of citizens and should not be turned into an avenue for extortion.
“The government launched the programme to improve the lives of many people in the state and across the country,” Musa said.
He added that the state government remains committed to ensuring that the programme reaches its intended beneficiaries without any financial burden.
Musa further assured residents that authorities are closely monitoring the registration process to prevent abuse and guarantee transparency.
He urged the public to cooperate with officials to ensure the success of the programme, reiterating that participation is open to all eligible individuals at no cost.
“Registration for the Renewed Hope programme is ongoing, and interested individuals are encouraged to participate without paying any fees,” he added.
The Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, introduced by the Federal Government in February 2024 under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians and stimulating economic growth.
The initiative targets over 8.8 million citizens nationwide, focusing on job creation, rural electrification, agriculture, and small business development.
