Abuja: The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (FMHAPR) has announced that 5.5 million Nigerians have benefited from the government’s cash transfer program, a significant initiative aimed at alleviating poverty among vulnerable households. This figure represents a fraction of the 19.78 million households identified in the verified National Social Register as eligible for the scheme.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Bernard Doro, the Minister of FMHAPR, revealed these details during the launch of the Act Naija Project National Steering Committee in Abuja. This civil society initiative seeks to bolster social protection measures across Nigeria. Doro emphasized that the cash transfer program is a vital component of the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to enhance social protection and reduce poverty.
Dr. Doro outlined ongoing social programs, including Conditional Cash Transfers, the Grant for Vulnerable Groups, N-Power, and others like the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme. He noted that microcredit schemes have already supported over 5 million Nigerians, with an emphasis on women and young people across all 774 local government areas. Efforts are underway to review and update the National Social Protection Policy (NSPP) to better reflect the current socio-economic climate and harmonize interventions.
The minister also spoke about the recently completed Skill-2-Wealth Programme, targeting unemployed youths with training in solar panel installation, agriculture, and automobile technology in collaboration with GAC Motors. This initiative is part of the broader effort to expand economic opportunities for young Nigerians.
Moreover, FMHAPR is working with development partners to enhance Nigeria’s shock-responsive and adaptive social protection systems. A draft Shock Responsive Social Protection (SRSP) Standard Operating Procedure, developed alongside the World Food Programme, is being reviewed by stakeholders to ensure coordinated emergency responses.
Doro underscored the government’s commitment to creating a robust, accountable social protection system to support vulnerable Nigerians and contribute to regional efforts in West Africa. He highlighted the importance of the Naija Project, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, in empowering households and ensuring transparency in social protection efforts.
Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director of the African Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), commented on the significance of the Act Naija Project, asserting that effective coordination among stakeholders is crucial for breaking the poverty cycle and promoting inclusive growth.
The Deputy Executive Director of ANEEJ, Mr. Leo Atakpu, presented a baseline study on social interventions, noting challenges such as the lack of disaggregated data and citizens’ awareness. These insights are expected to enhance the government’s efforts in reaching out to the vulnerable population.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the steering committee members were selected from six states, including Borno, Delta, Ekiti, Enugu, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun, which were part of the project’s assessment.