Major opposition parties in Nigeria have urged the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to be transparent in the disbursement of N4 billion funds to deserving vulnerable households.
The parties also warn that the fund could be distributed among members of the ruling APC, similar to what was allegedly done with many of the palliatives released by the government.
The concerns were raised in separate interviews with The TheNigerian.
On Thursday, the FG approved N4bn for conditional cash transfers to support vulnerable households across Nigeria.
The announcement was made during the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan at the United Nations House in Abuja.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof Nentawe Yilwada, outlined the interventions aimed at addressing the country’s growing humanitarian crisis. These efforts are designed to assist the most vulnerable members of society.
The initiative is expected to assist at least 10 million displaced households, with a focus on those in the Northeast. The cash transfer programme will begin in February and run until April, aiming to address the immediate needs of families impacted by displacement.
The cash transfer programme is aiming to alleviate the immediate needs of families affected by displacement, particularly in the Northeast.
Additionally, the government has approved N2bn in interest-free loans to farmers, specifically those in rural communities, to boost food production and self-sufficiency.
“We are prioritising women, especially widows, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. The experiences of displaced women, particularly those facing pregnancy or disability, are especially challenging. We understand these vulnerabilities and will continue to support those who are most in need,” he said.
“The President has approved the Ministry’s plan to begin paying conditional cash transfers to 10 million displaced households between February and April. This initiative aims to support those most in need, particularly vulnerable families affected by displacement,” he added.
“Additionally, the government has allocated N2bn to provide interest-free loans to farmers in rural communities. These loans will range from N300,000 to N400,000 per household, helping farmers access necessary resources and linking them to market opportunities.
“Furthermore, N4bn provision has been approved to support vulnerable groups through cash transfers, targeting families affected by natural disasters and other crises. These interventions are part of the government’s broader strategy to alleviate poverty and provide relief to those in urgent need,” the Minister stated.
Reacting via an exclusive interview, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Timothy Osadolor voiced concerns that the funds might be misappropriated.
Osadolor, in an interview with our correspondent on Thursday, urged the government to prioritize investment in agriculture as a way to alleviate the hardships Nigerians are facing due to the economic policies of President Tinubu’s administration.
He stated “Well, it’s one thing to approve, another to disburse, and yet another to embezzle. Given the capacity of this government, it is easier for us to believe that embezzlement will be the result of these efforts.
“Otherwise, it’s a conflicting situation. But why spend so much money to bring relief to people whom your policies have deliberately and carefully impoverished in the first place? Why not invest those funds into agriculture to ensure food security or improve electricity supply?
“By so doing, people can become more engaged and self-sufficient instead of depending on government handouts. Otherwise, how sustainable will these handouts be? I fear that this fund will end up the same way as the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs embezzled funds.
“These funds should be used to support medical centers, build world-class facilities so our people don’t die from lack of care, and provide a cushion for the impoverished. This will help prevent further loss of lives.”
The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples Party Ladipo Johnson, expressed approval of the development but questioned the criteria that will be used to identify vulnerable households.
In an exclusive interview with The TheNigerian, Johnson urged the President Tinubu-led APC government to be honest with itself. He stated that such an intervention could alleviate hardships if carried out fairly, without considering religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
He stated “Vulnerable households, yes, but how do we identify these vulnerable households? What data are they using? If you approve money for vulnerable people, what are the criteria?
“Most times, we see that when palliatives are being distributed, it’s done through the party system, giving them to members of the APC or others, particularly during Christmas or New Year and Sallah. I hope the so-called vulnerable households’ palliative won’t follow the same route.
“There’s nothing wrong with having a social security system if it’s properly managed, focusing on vulnerable Nigerians, regardless of religion, tribe, or party affiliation. So, I think it’s something people must look at closely and properly. But ordinarily, it is fine.
“For it to get to those who deserve it, Federal Government and the APC must be truthful to themselves. If they can honestly say that every Nigerian who is vulnerable is entitled to help, regardless of their political affiliation, then that would be good. But your guess is as good as mine whether this APC government can be that truthful.”
Similarly, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh also expressed doubt that those handling the initiative may not be transparent and give proper account of the whole process.
Instead, Ifoh advised that such humongous amount should be rechanelled into empowering people, especially at the grassroots to yield results.
He said, “First and foremost, we must define who the vulnerables are in Nigeria because the vulnerable population in Nigeria is more than 70 per cent of the total population. So how many of them are you going to reach with that? Today, there are many people earning salaries that cannot take them home. These are vulnerable people.
“No government has been transparent. But this government has proven to be worse in showing any sign of transparency in dealing with the public. The stealing going on there is massive and the Tinubu administration is doing little to stop it, except the few uncovered and exposed by the media. If not, they would be swept under the carpet.
‘So those policies are good. But giving people cash hardly solve any problem. But putting it in an environment where they can be productive is what is needed so people can work and making a living out of it. So I don’t really subscribe to giving Nigerians handouts or stipends. In fact, I call it tips because it can really not do much. A lot is happening in Nigeria that leaves much to be desired.”
Meanwhile, Prof Yilwada further emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of internally displaced persons, returnees, and affected communities across Nigeria.
The Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, he noted, was developed through extensive consultations and is designed to address the humanitarian challenges in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and other conflict-affected regions.
“We are combining the efforts of humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding platforms to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable solutions for these communities,” he added.
Highlighting the gender dynamics within these interventions, Yilwada underscored the priority given to female-headed households, who often face greater challenges, including gender-based violence, child marriage, and food insecurity.
“Female-headed households experience higher rates of hunger than male-headed ones, and this is where we will focus much of our efforts. Ensuring access to food, water, healthcare, and safety for these women is one of our top priorities,” he added.
In his speech, the Minister also referenced Nigeria’s long-standing humanitarian challenges, particularly in the Northeast, where violence has displaced millions.
“We are tackling overlapping crises—conflict, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks. The situation requires a multi-sectoral approach to address not only the immediate needs of those affected but also their longer-term recovery and resilience,” he said.
