Amid hardship, FG moves to alleviate 12m Nigerians

THE Federal Government is to re- launch direct cash transfer to about 12 million vulnerable Nigerians amid the high cost of living in the country.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, made the disclosure yesterday at a retreat, organised by his ministry in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

He said while the initial project was designed for three million citizens, the current hardship in the land has become a factor in increasing the number of recipients to 12 million.

His words: “The presidential panel on social investment programmes has prepared to go to Mr President with an internal recommendation to restart direct payment to the poorest and the most vulnerable. Everything is being done to ease the pain.

President Bola Tinubu had suspended management of the National Social Investment Programme Agency ( NSIPA) and its activities in January, which affected the conditional cash transfer scheme and three others.

But speaking about the recommencement of the project, Edun explained that the Nigerian leader would be well furnished about the programme, with technology deployed to ensure smooth and transparent payment.

He also spoke about the high food prices and government’s steps to address the problem.

The minister reiterated the President’s intention to release 60,000 metric tonnes of grains.

While defending the cash transfer programme, Edun stated: “History has shown, evidence has shown that when you pay someone directly, you put money in their hand. It reduces poverty because they decide where the shoe is pinching the most.

“So, it is a direct benefit, it has a direct effect on poverty. It alleviates, and there’s a commitment to immediately start that process.”