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Cash Transfer: FG Releases N24 Billion to 991,261 Households
The Federal Government has disbursed N24.78 billion under the National Cash Transfer Programme to support 991,261 poor households, part of its ongoing efforts to alleviate poverty in Nigeria. This initiative, led by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), has reached beneficiaries across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Badamasi Lawal, the NSIPA National Coordinator and CEO, stated that the disbursement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that in August 2024, the government had previously allocated N3.83 billion to 153,038 households.
In September 2024, the agency distributed N20.96 billion among 838,223 households, with each beneficiary receiving N25,000 through their designated Financial Service Providers.
“The Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer is designed to cushion the economic shocks faced by the poorest and most vulnerable households,” the statement added. Lawal emphasized that the program aims not only to reduce poverty but also to improve household finances and encourage savings.
Additionally, the health benefits of the program are expected to enhance the beneficiaries’ access to health and nutritional services. Lawal mentioned that the emotional and social benefits include improved livelihoods, better interpersonal relationships, and increased family happiness.
The government also announced the disbursement of the second tranche of payments to approximately one million beneficiaries of its cash-based Social Investment Programme. Finance Minister Wale Edun disclosed this during a meeting with the Presidential Panel on the Social Investment Programme, though specific details about the beneficiaries and amounts were not provided.
The ministry highlighted key updates regarding the second payments to about a million verified recipients under the Direct Benefit Transfer programme. Edun advised the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office to partner with the National Identity Management Company for National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment to enhance the program’s outreach.
This directive will allow the office direct access to the database of all Nigerians registered on the National Identification Number platform. The minister also discussed strategies to improve communication about the program across Nigeria.
Edun emphasized the critical importance of identifying the most vulnerable individuals and ensuring they receive their benefits promptly and securely through digital means, reiterating President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering social investment programs efficiently and transparently.
Prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and youth advocate, Comrade Isaac Balami, has dismissed the criticism surrounding Seyi Tinubu’s recent tour of northern Nigeria as “needless and politically motivated.”
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Balami suggested that negative reactions to Tinubu’s visit stemmed from growing calls for him to contest the Lagos State governorship seat.
Balami praised Seyi Tinubu’s humanitarian efforts, stating that he had consistently engaged in selfless service across the country, irrespective of religious or political affiliations. He argued that instead of being criticized, Tinubu should be recognized and awarded for his contributions to national unity and development.
“The attacks on Seyi Tinubu are unfair,” Balami stated. “His acts of kindness and support for Nigerians, regardless of background, should be commended, not condemned.”
Balami further noted that Tinubu’s philanthropic activities predate his father’s presidency, pointing out that his Iftar outreach initiatives began over a decade ago. He questioned why critics now view his efforts through a political lens.
“Seyi Tinubu’s outreach during Ramadan is no different from what many other prominent Nigerians do. His work during the COVID-19 pandemic was remarkable, and he has even assisted individuals from opposition parties. His actions speak louder than words,” Balami added.
The APC chieftain also criticized claims that Tinubu’s tour was politically motivated, arguing that even if it had political undertones, it would not be unusual. He contrasted Tinubu’s engagement with the people to the perceived aloofness of other children of past and present Nigerian leaders.
Balami urged Nigerians to focus on the positive impact of Tinubu’s initiatives rather than seeking to discredit them. He encouraged young politicians and entrepreneurs to emulate Tinubu’s commitment to social causes.
Seyi Tinubu recently embarked on a tour of northern Nigeria, where he engaged with Muslim communities in the spirit of Ramadan and provided empowerment opportunities to various individuals. The visit sparked mixed reactions, with some critics questioning its motives.
The Federal Government has emphasized that achieving the **Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)** requires their full integration into national and sub-national development plans rather than treating them as isolated initiatives.
The **Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire**, made this call during the **North-East Regional Consultation in Gombe**, part of Nigeria’s **2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR)** preparations for the **High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York this July**. Represented by **Dr. Bala Yunusa, Senior Technical Adviser**, she explained that the **United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)** established the HLPF as a global review mechanism for the 2030 Agenda. Nigeria, now conducting its third VNR, is engaging stakeholders across all six geopolitical zones to assess progress, challenges, and future opportunities.
A statement from her **Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communication, Desmond Utomwen**, highlighted the urgent need to accelerate SDG progress. Citing the **2024 UN Sustainable Development Goals Report**, she revealed that only 17% of SDG targets are on track, nearly 50% show minimal or moderate progress, and over one-third have stalled or regressed. She attributed Nigeria’s slow SDG progress to dwindling financial resources, the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent insecurity.
Orelope-Adefulire stressed the importance of **robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) mechanisms**, including SDG Progress Reports and the VNR, to track achievements and challenges. She called for stronger collaboration among public and private sectors, the UN Development System, donor agencies, academia, and civil society to ensure no one is left behind.
Referring to the **“Pact for the Future”** adopted during the **79th UN General Assembly**, she reaffirmed world leaders’ commitment to bold and transformative actions for SDG acceleration. She also echoed **UN Secretary-General António Guterres’** call for massive investments and strategic partnerships to drive key transitions in food security, energy, and digital connectivity.
She commended **Nigeria’s Multi-Stakeholder Core Working Group for the 2025 VNR**, acknowledging the contributions of members from government agencies, the UN Development System, private sector groups, civil society organizations, and academia.
The **North-East Regional Consultation** brought together 150 participants from six states, focusing discussions on institutional frameworks for SDG implementation, progress across the 17 SDGs, and challenges and lessons learned.
**Gombe State SDGs Focal Person, Engr. Sulaiman Turaki**, described the event as a critical dialogue shaping Nigeria’s next VNR. He urged stakeholders to actively contribute, ensuring the review accurately reflects progress, challenges, and opportunities while ensuring no one is left behind in the country’s development efforts.
Prominent human rights lawyer, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has raised concerns over the Nigerian government’s plan to prosecute Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the repealed Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013. He described the move as legally unsustainable and urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to reconsider.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Chidera argued that since the 2013 Act has been revoked, it cannot serve as a legal basis for Kanu’s trial.
“Any attempt to prosecute the IPOB leader under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 is legally untenable and procedurally flawed,” he stated.
He warned that continuing with the case under an obsolete law could undermine Nigeria’s justice system and attract international criticism.
Chidera further urged the government to negotiate with Kanu before March 20, 2025, to avoid exposing systemic flaws in the judiciary.
“The section of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 on which the prosecution relies is no longer an active law in Nigeria. The jurisdiction to prosecute Kanu under this Act ceased with its repeal. Continuing with this prosecution would draw scrutiny and criticism both domestically and internationally,” he added.
With Kanu set to represent himself in court on March 21, 2025, legal analysts predict heightened scrutiny of the case.
“Reports that Mazi Kanu will assume his own defence signal a significant shift. His self-representation may reveal inconsistencies and vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s judicial system,” Chidera noted.
Describing the trial as a critical test for Nigeria’s judiciary, Chidera called on Tinubu’s government to seek a diplomatic resolution before the March 20 deadline.
“Political dissent cannot be extinguished by force, and the Biafran struggle will not be subdued by crackdowns or detention without trial,” he emphasised.
As the court date approaches, all eyes remain on how the government will handle the high-stakes legal battle, with potential implications for Nigeria’s political and judicial credibility.
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