FG asks applicants to submit NINs for trade grants

• The new rule was based on the new regulations from the Central Bank of Nigeria directing Nigerians to link their National Identification Numbers with their bank accounts

The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has directed applicants of the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme to submit their National Identification Numbers as part of the necessary requirements to obtain a grant earmarked to cushion the effect that recent economic reforms have had on businesses in the country.

The government through the Bank of Industry had said it would be disbursing three categories of funding totalling N200bn to support manufacturers and businesses across the country.

It said the new rule was based on the new regulations from the Central Bank of Nigeria directing Nigerians to link their National Identification Numbers with their bank accounts.

The trade minister, Doris Aniete issued the new directive in a post on her official X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

The post titled, “Update on the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme Application Process” explained that all applicants will receive an SMS from ‘FGGRANTLOAN’ with instructions to submit this information via a secure link adding that this step is essential for the continuation of the application process.

It added that only verified applicants will receive this notification, and NINs must match the applicant’s name for the process to proceed.

It read, “Dear Esteemed Applicants, The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment thanks all applicants for their interest in the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme and assures that applications are being thoroughly processed.

“Due to new regulations from the Central Bank of Nigeria, it is now required for applicants to link their National Identification Numbers with their bank accounts. We currently do not have a record of the NINs of those who applied. Therefore all applicants will receive an SMS from ‘FGGRANTLOAN’ with instructions to submit this information via a secure link. This step is essential for the continuation of the application process.

“Only verified applicants will receive this notification, and NINs must match the applicant’s name for the process to proceed.

“We appreciate your patience and cooperation, and we will keep you updated on your application’s progress. Thank you for your participation and contribution to national growth.”