By Balogun Tumininu.
The Federal Government has approved a whopping N4 billion for conditional cash transfers to support vulnerable households across Nigeria. This initiative, announced by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwada, aims to alleviate the country’s deepening humanitarian crisis.
The program will commence in February and run through April, targeting at least 10 million displaced households, with a focus on the most vulnerable members of society, particularly in the Northeast. Women, especially widows, pregnant women, and those with disabilities, will be prioritized.
In addition to the cash transfers, the government has also approved N2 billion in interest-free loans for farmers in rural communities to boost food production and self-sufficiency. These loans will range from N300,000 to N400,000 per household.
Professor Yilwada emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of internally displaced persons, returnees, and affected communities across Nigeria. The 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) was developed through extensive consultations to address humanitarian challenges in conflict-affected regions.