The Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency has reported a 94 per cent success rate in the disbursement of the Fintiri Business Wallet Programme, as concerns over missing payments continue to draw public attention in Adamawa State.
Speaking at a press briefing in Yola, the Director General of PAWECA, Dr Michael Zira, explained that most beneficiaries had successfully received their funds, although many were unaware because they did not receive transaction alerts. According to him, the agency’s internal records confirm that the payments were completed, despite alert failures experienced by some recipients.
Zira said PAWECA received more than 5,000 complaints following the disbursement exercise, but investigations revealed that 815 of those complaints were not genuine, as the individuals involved could not be found in the agency’s database. He stressed that data capture for the programme has officially closed and that only verified complaints from genuine beneficiaries would be considered going forward.
He disclosed that individuals linked to fraudulent practices and racketeering around the programme have been sanctioned, as the agency moves to protect the integrity of the intervention. Zira added that payments for beneficiaries with verified complaints are scheduled to commence next Monday.
The PAWECA boss also hinted that another phase of the Fintiri Business Wallet Programme may soon be introduced, citing the state government’s continued commitment to entrepreneurship, small businesses, and economic growth. He said the initiative remains a key tool for supporting micro and small business owners across the state.
Beneficiaries were advised to use the funds responsibly to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods, as the programme is intended to provide sustainable economic support rather than short-term relief.
