In response to the Nigerian Federal Government’s approval of N4 billion for cash transfers aimed at supporting vulnerable households, opposition parties have expressed concerns over the transparency and fairness of the disbursement process. The government plans to target 10 million displaced households, particularly in the Northeast, with a cash transfer program running from February to April.
Timothy Osadolor, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warned that the funds might be misappropriated, pointing out that similar initiatives in the past were allegedly hijacked for political purposes. He also advocated for more investment in agriculture and self-sufficiency rather than continued dependence on handouts, which he deemed unsustainable.
Ladipo Johnson of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) raised questions about how vulnerable households will be identified, urging the government to ensure that the distribution process is not influenced by political affiliation, religion, or ethnicity. He emphasized that transparency in the criteria for vulnerability and distribution is essential for the program’s success.
Obiora Ifoh of the Labour Party echoed similar concerns, doubting the government’s transparency and suggesting that the money should be better spent on empowering people at the grassroots level rather than providing cash handouts. He argued that cash transfers alone wouldn’t resolve the country’s deep-rooted issues and that creating a productive environment for Nigerians should be the priority.
Despite these concerns, Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, reiterated the government’s commitment to helping internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities, especially female-headed households who face unique challenges. The program’s focus on gender dynamics aims to address issues like food insecurity and gender-based violence, with special attention to the needs of women and children.