Govt approves N4bn cash transfer for vulnerable households

 FG Allocates N4bn for Cash Transfers to Support Vulnerable Households

The Federal Government has approved a ₦4 billion fund for conditional cash transfers aimed at assisting vulnerable households across Nigeria.

This initiative, announced by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, was unveiled during the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) at the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday.

The intervention is designed to provide relief to 10 million displaced households, prioritizing the most vulnerable, including widows, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.

Cash Transfer Program for Displaced Families

The cash transfer program is scheduled to run from February to April 2025, targeting displaced families in conflict-affected areas, particularly in the Northeast. The initiative seeks to alleviate economic hardships faced by those affected by displacement and humanitarian crises.

₦2bn Interest-Free Loans for Farmers

In addition to the cash transfer program, the government has allocated ₦2 billion in interest-free loans to support farmers in rural communities. These loans, ranging between ₦300,000 and ₦400,000 per household, aim to boost food production and enhance market access for farmers.

Prof. Yilwada stated:

“We are prioritizing women, especially widows, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. The experiences of displaced women facing pregnancy or disability are particularly difficult, and we will continue to provide support to the most vulnerable.”

He further emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing poverty and enhancing food security through targeted interventions.

Comprehensive Humanitarian Response Plan

The Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) was developed through extensive consultations to address urgent humanitarian needs in states affected by conflict, natural disasters, and economic hardship, including Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.

Prof. Yilwada reiterated the government’s long-term strategy of integrating humanitarian aid, development projects, and peacebuilding efforts to create lasting solutions for affected communities.

“We are working to ensure sustainable solutions by aligning humanitarian efforts with development and peace initiatives.”

Women and Children as Priority Beneficiaries

The minister stressed that female-headed households would be prioritized in the distribution of aid, as they face higher rates of hunger, child marriage, and gender-based violence.

“Female-headed households often experience greater food insecurity than male-headed ones. Ensuring access to food, healthcare, and protection is one of our top priorities,” he added.

UN Endorses Nigeria’s Humanitarian Response

Trond Jensen, Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), commended the initiative, stating that 7.8 million people across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe would require humanitarian assistance in 2025.

These interventions are part of the Federal Government’s broader poverty alleviation strategy, which seeks to support displaced persons, returnees, and vulnerable populations nationwide.