The federal government of Nigeria has through the National Directorate of Employment, NDE,Tuesday disbursed the sum of N4.5 million loans to micro business owners in Bauchi State.
Speaking during the disbursement, Mr Lawan Yaya, the state Coordinator of the Directorate said fund was disbursed to 228 beneficiaries in the state.
According to the state Co-ordinator, the programme was carried out under the Micro Enterprises Enhancement Scheme, MEES, of the directorate.
Yaya added that the programme which was an initiative of the Director General of NDE, Malam Abubakar Fikpo, is aimed at boosting micro businesses with more emphasis on women.
He said that each of the beneficiaries would be given the sum of N20,000 each, adding that the payment would be done directly to their bank accounts.
The coordinator said that some of the beneficiaries will include sellers of masa, zobo drinks, fruits, beans cake (Akara), cap washers, among others.
Yaya who said the beneficiaries were selected across the 20 local government areas of the state, explained that the loan has a moratorium period of three months in which thereafter, they would start repayment for the period of three years.
He urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the loan to achieve its aim of enhancing their businesses.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Hajiya Amina Ibrahim thanked the Directorate for the gesture, promising to channel the loan towards the purpose it is meant for.