₦4bn Cash Transfer to Support 10 Million Displaced Households
The Federal Government has approved ₦4bn for conditional cash transfers to assist vulnerable households across Nigeria. This initiative was announced during the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) at the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, disclosed the government’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s worsening humanitarian crisis. He stated, “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.”
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Objectives and Timeline of the Cash Transfer Programme
The cash transfer programme will commence in February and run through April, primarily targeting displaced families in conflict-affected areas, especially in the Northeast. Prof. Yilwada emphasized that these transfers are designed to alleviate the immediate needs of households affected by displacement and natural disasters.
He added, “A ₦4bn 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.”
Interest-Free Loans for Rural Farmers
As part of the government’s humanitarian initiatives, ₦2bn has been approved for interest-free loans to rural farmers. These loans, ranging from ₦300,000 to ₦400,000 per household, aim to boost food production and improve self-sufficiency among farming communities.
“We are prioritizing women, especially widows, pregnant women, and those with disabilities,” Yilwada said. “These loans will help farmers access necessary resources and connect them to market opportunities, ensuring long-term benefits.”
Addressing the Needs of Vulnerable Women and Families
The government’s interventions are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by female-headed households. Prof. Yilwada highlighted the challenges these families face, including gender-based violence, child marriage, and food insecurity.
“Female-headed households experience higher rates of hunger than male-headed ones. Ensuring access to food, water, healthcare, and safety for these women is one of our top priorities,” he said.
The cash transfer programme also prioritizes widows, pregnant women, and individuals living with disabilities, as these groups are among the most vulnerable.
Humanitarian Challenges and Broader Strategies
The 2025 HNRP was developed through extensive consultations and aims to tackle humanitarian challenges in regions like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe. The Minister emphasized the government’s focus on fostering resilience and sustainable solutions through humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding efforts.
“We are combining the efforts of humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding platforms to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable solutions for these communities,” Yilwada explained.
UN Perspective on the Humanitarian Crisis
Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Trond Jensen, highlighted the severity of the humanitarian crisis. He noted that 7.8 million women, men, and children in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states would require humanitarian assistance in 2025.
Supporting the Most Vulnerable Through Cash Transfers
The government’s ₦4bn cash transfer programme represents a significant step in addressing Nigeria’s humanitarian challenges. By targeting displaced families and female-headed households, the initiative aims to reduce poverty and provide much-needed relief to vulnerable communities.
