The Federal Government has begun the disbursement of 50,000 naira grant for nano business owners.

The Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, DORIS UZOKA-ANITE, who confirmed this at the weekend, said no fewer than 200,000 small business owners have received the payment.

According to her, 800,000 others will get their grants before the close of the programme by May 31.

This will bring the total number of beneficiaries to the targeted 1,000,000 Nigerians spread across the 774 local government areas.

She explained that about 3.6 million applications were received out of which the beneficiaries were selected randomly from among those who met the conditions.

The minister added that N50 billion is available in the 2024 budget for disbursement.