The federal government has approved N4bn for conditional cash transfers to vulnerable households in Nigeria.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, outlined the measures to address the nation’s worsening humanitarian situation on Thursday at the United Nations House in Abuja during the introduction of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.
The Punch reported that this action, which focuses mostly on the most vulnerable segments of society, is anticipated to assist at least 10 million displaced households.
The cash transfer programme, which begins in February and ends in April, aims to address the immediate needs of displaced families, particularly those in the Northeast.
The government has also approved N2 billion in interest-free loans to farmers, especially those in rural areas, to boost food production and self-sufficiency.
He also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to meet the needs of affected communities, returnees, and internally displaced people throughout Nigeria.
He pointed out that the HNRP was created after lengthy deliberations and is intended to address the humanitarian issues in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and other areas afflicted by war.
Yilwada emphasized the gender dynamics in these interventions and the importance of giving attention to homes led by women, who frequently suffer more difficulties, such as food insecurity, child marriage, and gender-based violence.
Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Trond Jensen provided an overview of the situation, noting that 7.8 million women, men, and children across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states will require humanitarian assistance in 2025.
TimesNow.com.ng reported that the federal government intends to provide N75,000 in cash to roughly 70 million Nigerians who are considered to be among the “poorest of the poor.”
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, revealed this yesterday when he appeared on Arise Television’s The Morning Show.
Yilwatda said the ministry plans to implement the program throughout the 36 states of the Federation by the end of January 2025, registering up to 18.1 million Nigerian homes using the National Identity Number (NIN) system.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at TimesNow.com.ng.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
