Nigerians Demand Grant Disbursement As Industry Minister Signs MoU With U.S. On Trade Expansion

Nigerians, who are applicants of the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, are demanding payments of N50,000 grants as announced by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite.

The demand comes nearly a month after the Minister disclosed she had, on behalf of the federal government, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States on trade enhancement.

As disclosed on Friday by the Minister, the agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 2024 AGOA Forum held in Washington DC, between the federal government and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, representing the United States.

The content of the MoU is reportedly said to ”deepen bilateral commercial and investment ties between both nations through collaboration to enhance the business environment and facilitate private sector-led trade and investment projects, among others.”

This MOU marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria-U.S. economic relations. By focusing on critical sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, and the creative and digital economy, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and job creation,” says the Minister.

In response, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce emphasised the importance of the partnership, saying, “With the largest population and largest democracy in Africa, Nigeria is an essential partner for the United States.”

Meanwhile, Nigerians have since taken over underneath the comment section of the Trade Minister, demanding the disbursement of grants as scheduled for July 2024.

Hon Minister Ma, according to your promise early this month that disbursement for loan application will begin at the end of this month. May I remind you, ma’am, that today is 26/07/2024, and we haven’t seen any traces that your promise will manifest? Kindly keep us updated, ma. Thanks,” wrote one of the pregnant beneficiaries.

As of the time of filing this report, the Ministry has yet to disburse the said grants. However, it had expectations from local government areas listed without beneficiaries’ information on its website.

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Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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