The Federal Government has announced the approval of N4 billion for conditional cash transfers to support 10 million vulnerable households across Nigeria.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwada, made the announcement on Thursday during the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) at the United Nations House in Abuja. The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to address Nigeria’s growing humanitarian challenges and support displaced and vulnerable populations.
Targeted Support for Vulnerable Groups
According to Professor Yilwada, the program will prioritize displaced households, particularly in the Northeast, and focus on vulnerable groups such as widows, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
“We are prioritizing 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 Minister said.
The cash transfers are set to commence in February and will run through April, providing direct assistance to families affected by displacement, natural disasters, and other crises.
Additional Measures to Alleviate Poverty
In addition to the N4 billion cash transfer initiative, the government has allocated another N2 billion for interest-free loans to rural farmers to boost food production and self-sufficiency.
“These loans, ranging from N300,000 to N400,000 per household, will help farmers access necessary resources and connect them to market opportunities,” Professor Yilwada explained.
The Minister also highlighted the broader strategy to alleviate poverty, stating, “These interventions aim to provide relief to those in urgent need while fostering long-term resilience and sustainable development for affected communities.”
Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP)
The 2025 HNRP is designed to address the humanitarian needs of conflict-affected regions such as Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. It was developed through extensive consultations and combines humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding approaches to support internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and affected communities nationwide.
“The government is committed to ensuring long-term resilience and sustainable solutions for these communities,” the Minister concluded.
The program reflects the administration’s broader goal of poverty alleviation and social support for Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
