The Federal Government has approved N4bn for conditional cash transfers to vulnerable households in Nigeria. During the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan at the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof Nentawe Yilwada announced the interventions to address the country’s deepening humanitarian crisis. This move is expected to support at least 10 million displaced households, primarily targeting the most vulnerable members of society. The cash transfer programme is set to begin in February and continue through April, aiming to alleviate the immediate needs of families affected by displacement, particularly in the Northeast. Additionally, the government has approved N2bn in interest-free loans to farmers, specifically those in rural communities, to boost food production and self-sufficiency. “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,” he said. “The President has approved the Ministry’s plan to begin paying conditional cash transfers to 10 million displaced households between February and April. This initiative aims to support those most in need, particularly vulnerable families affected by displacement,” he added. “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,” the minister stated. He further emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of internally displaced persons, returnees, and affected communities across Nigeria. The HNRP, he noted, was developed through extensive consultations and is designed to address the humanitarian challenges in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and other conflict-affected regions. “We are combining the efforts of humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding platforms to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable solutions for these communities,” he added. Highlighting the gender dynamics within these interventions, Yilwada underscored the priority given to female-headed households, who often face greater challenges, including gender-based violence, child marriage, and food insecurity. “Female-headed households experience higher rates of hunger than male-headed ones, and this is where we will focus much of our efforts. Ensuring access to food, water, healthcare, and safety for these women is one of our top priorities,” he added. Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Trond Jensen provided an overview of the situation, noting that 7.8 million women, men, and children across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states will require humanitarian assistance in 2025. Punch
