Federal government approves ₦4 Billion aid for poor families
The Federal Government has endorsed ₦4 billion to provide financial assistance to vulnerable households in Nigeria. At an event held at the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, announced this initiative as part of efforts to tackle the country’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
The program aims to support at least 10 million displaced households, focusing on the most vulnerable groups. The cash transfers will start in February and run through April, helping families, especially in the Northeast, meet their immediate needs due to displacement.
The government has also approved ₦2 billion in interest-free loans for farmers in rural areas to help increase food production and promote self-sufficiency.
Prof. 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”.
He continued, “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.
“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.
The minister stated, “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”.
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He also highlighted the government’s dedication to supporting internally displaced people, returnees, and affected communities across Nigeria.
Also, he explained that the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) was created after thorough consultations and is focused on tackling humanitarian issues in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and other areas impacted by conflict.
He added, “We are combining the efforts of humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding platforms to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable solutions for these communities.
Minister Yilwada highlighted the focus on supporting female-headed households in the government’s interventions, recognising the unique challenges they face, such as gender-based violence, child marriage, and food insecurity.
He said, “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.”
Mr. Trond Jensen, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, also shared an update, stating that 7.8 million people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states—women, men, and children—will need humanitarian aid in 2025.
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