The Nigerian government has authorised N4 billion in conditional cash transfers to the nation’s most needy households.
At the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Prof. Nentawe Yilwada unveiled the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, outlining the measures to tackle the nation’s escalating humanitarian crises.
The most vulnerable members of society are the main goal of this action, which is anticipated to assist at least 10 million displaced households.
To address the immediate needs of families impacted by displacement, especially those in the Northeast, the cash transfer programme is scheduled to start in February and run through April.
The government has also authorised N2 billion in interest-free loans to farmers, particularly those in rural areas, to increase food production and self-sufficiency.
“Women, particularly widows, expectant mothers, and those with disabilities, are our top priority. Displaced women have particularly difficult experiences, especially if they are pregnant or disabled. We are aware of these weaknesses and will keep helping those who are most in need.
“The Ministry has received approval from the President to start providing 10 million displaced households with conditional cash transfers between February and April. The goal of this programme is to help those who are most in need, especially displaced families who are at risk,” he noted.
The government has also set aside N2 billion to give farmers in rural areas interest-free loans. These loans, which would help farmers access resources and connect them to market opportunities, will range from N300,000 to N400,000 per household.
Additionally, N4 billion has been allocated to provide financial transfers to disadvantaged communities, specifically families impacted by crises and natural disasters.
According to the minister, these initiatives are a component of the government’s larger plan to reduce poverty and help people in immediate need.
He also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to meet the needs of affected communities, returnees, and internally displaced people throughout Nigeria.
He pointed out that the HNRP was created after lengthy deliberations and is intended to address the humanitarian issues in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and other areas afflicted by war.
“To ensure long-term resilience and sustainable solutions for these communities, we are combining the efforts of humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding platforms,” he stated.
Yilwada emphasised the gender dynamics in these interventions and the importance of giving attention to homes headed by women, who frequently suffer more difficulties, such as food shortages, child marriage, and gender-based violence.
“We shall concentrate a large portion of our efforts on the greater rates of hunger experienced by households headed by women as opposed to those headed by men. One of our main responsibilities is to make sure these women have access to food, water, healthcare, and safety,” he hinted.
In his review, Mr. Trond Jensen, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, stated that 7.8 million women, men, and children in the states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe will need humanitarian aid by 2025.
