Nigeria to offer cash handouts worth over $2.5m to vulnerable households across the country

NIGERIA'S federal government has approved the disbursement of a sum of N4bn ($2.57m) to be paid out as cash handouts to vulnerable households across the country suffering from the effects of recent conflicts and hyper-inflation.

Over the last year-and-a-half, most Nigerians have struggled to afford basic food items as inflation has soared to over 30%, forcing the government to introduce emergency measures such as the handing out of palliatives. Attributed to the removal of Nigeria's petrol subsidy, this galloping inflation has pushed the price of food items like yam, rice, tomatoes, gari, beans, cooking oil, pepper, bread, etc out of reach of low income earners.

With the problem refusing to go away, the federal government has decided to combat it by launching the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. During the launch of the programme at the United Nations House in Abuja earlier today, Professor Nentawe Yilwada, the minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, said the initiative is expected to support at least 10m displaced households, primarily targeting the most vulnerable members of society.

This cash transfer programme is set to commence in February and continue through April, focusing on alleviating the immediate needs of families affected by displacement, particularly in northeast Nigeria.  Also,, the government has approved a sum of N2bn in interest-free loans for farmers, specifically those in rural communities, to boost food production and self-sufficiency.

Professor Yilwada said: “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.

 “The president has approved the ministry’s plan to begin paying conditional cash transfers to 10m displaced households between February and April. This initiative aims to support those most in need, particularly vulnerable families affected by displacement.

“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, a 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.”

He further emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of internally displaced persons, returnees and affected communities across Nigeria. According to the minister, the plan was developed through extensive consultations and is designed to address the humanitarian challenges in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states and other conflict-affected regions.