…Seeks Investigation, Beneficiary Verification, Clear Payment Timeline
The Grant Ecosystem in Nigeria has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in the resolution of outstanding grant issues reportedly dating back more than 11 years, calling for transparency, accountability and a definitive roadmap for addressing the concerns of affected beneficiaries.
The appeal was contained in a recent statement addressed to the President and issued on behalf of the Grant Ecosystem by Amb. Prof. Greg Stephens, which was made available to journalists.
The group urged the Federal Government to investigate the status of the grants, establish the extent of payments made, verify eligible beneficiaries and outline concrete measures for resolving all outstanding issues in accordance with established government procedures and commitments.
According to the body, the prolonged delay and uncertainty surrounding the grants have subjected affected subscribers and their families to considerable financial hardship, emotional distress and mounting tension.
It also expressed concern that the persistent uncertainty had fuelled disagreements and rivalry among subscribers and stakeholders, while the continued exchange of blame had deepened divisions among Nigerians connected to the initiative.
The Grant Ecosystem therefore called on President Tinubu to direct the relevant government authorities to issue an official update on the status of the grants, explain the steps being taken to resolve the matter and provide a realistic timeline for its conclusion.
The body comprises various groups and individuals involved in the grant initiative, including Grant Fighters, pressure groups, grant handlers, stakeholders, coordinators, non-governmental organisations, cooperative heads and other participants.
It said its members were spread across Nigeria’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and communities nationwide, underscoring the broad reach of the concerns surrounding the outstanding grants.
The group stressed that resolving the matter would require constructive engagement between the government and affected stakeholders, adding that sustained dialogue remained essential to addressing the issues and restoring confidence among subscribers.
It maintained that a timely and transparent resolution would provide an opportunity for the Tinubu administration to demonstrate responsiveness to citizens’ concerns, strengthen public confidence in government and rebuild trust among members of the Grant Ecosystem.
As part of its demands, the group requested an opportunity for its representatives to meet with the appropriate government authorities to clarify outstanding questions, establish the current status of the grants and agree on practical steps towards resolving the matter.
It emphasised that dialogue and engagement through established channels offered the most constructive approach to resolving the prolonged dispute.
On the political implications of the issue, the Grant Ecosystem stated that its members would continue to exercise their democratic rights responsibly and make electoral choices based on their convictions, expectations and assessment of the performance of public office holders.
The group further expressed the hope that a satisfactory resolution of the outstanding grant issues would renew the confidence of millions of Nigerians in government and rekindle interest among affected stakeholders in President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
It, however, reaffirmed its willingness to engage with the administration through appropriate channels, stressing that its appeal was aimed at securing clarity, fairness and a practical resolution for eligible beneficiaries.
The Grant Ecosystem expressed confidence in the President’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and appealed to him to give the matter the urgent attention it deserved.
It said a decisive presidential intervention would help bring an end to the prolonged uncertainty, establish an effective framework for resolving the outstanding issues and provide relief to beneficiaries whose expectations had remained unresolved for years.
