Nigeria’s Conditional Cash Transfer Program is not a first but the outlook and processes begs for accountability.
The removal of fuel subsidies on May 29, 2023 on President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential entry, sent shockwaves through Nigeria, and in an effort to cushion the impact, the federal government rerouted existing poverty alleviation programs, including the Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme.
This program which has been a part of the Federal Government’s National Social Investment Programme since 2016, is aimed at improving the standard of living for millions of Nigerians living in extreme poverty within a short period.
But how has the program fared in Ekiti and other States since its launch and reorganization, and what are the long-term implications of this short-term initiative?
A Ray of Hope on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
On the occasion of the 2023 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, President Bola Tinubu mandated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, led by Dr. Betta Edu, to disburse N25,000 to 15 million households for a three-month period.
This social safety net initiative, conceived under the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari, aimed to insulate Nigerians from economic shocks.
However, the scheme received mixed reactions from Nigerians due to how it was managed in the past and its inconsequential economic impact in the current context.
Mixed Reactions and Unanswered Questions
Nigerians had valid questions and concerns about the Conditional Cash Transfer Program.
Some questioned the sufficiency of the amount given to the most vulnerable Nigerians and its national reach since its recent launch.
On the other hand, some saw the initiative as a potential catalyst for economic improvement in the targeted households.
Cautious Optimism and Accountability
Jamal Kabir, the Communications Manager for the National Social Investment Programme, explained the prospects of the initiative, which has undergone filtering and expansion for the sake of accountability.
He emphasized that the program targets other beneficiaries, including pensioners, war veterans, wives of fallen heroes, and Nigerian families living in multidimensional poverty.
He did admit the outdated nature of the social register used under the previous administration and encouraged Nigerians living under $1 per day to visit their local governments for verifications.
Local-Level Challenges and Doubts in Ekiti
However, residents in Ekiti expressed uncertainty about the program’s implementation at the local level, citing a lack of presence of the National Social Investment Programme and a social register that accommodates the vulnerable in Ekiti.
Credibility Concerns and a Plea for Transparency
The main concern lies in the credibility of the social register that the government has chosen to work with and the parameters guiding the inclusion of names and numbers.
Public affairs analyst Mr. Jide Ojo voiced his reservations, especially when considering how the funding for the Conditional Cash Transfer could potentially boost Nigeria’s ailing infrastructure.
According to him, the current register lacks credibility and may become a futile endeavor in the long run.
The Global Context and Accountability
The Conditional Cash Transfer is not a novel concept; it has been successfully employed in low- and middle-income countries across the globe.
However, the modus operandi of the program is what raises questions.
Will the current government be open to an in-depth audit of the Conditional Cash Transfer program’s impact and transparency? Or should Nigerians simply accept the government’s verdict on its effectiveness?
Saving face
As Nigeria grapples with the complexities of poverty alleviation, one thing is clear: the path to improving the lives of the most vulnerable requires not just financial support but also transparency, accountability, and a credible system that leaves no room for doubt.
– Written by David Ihejirika ( Writer, columnist )
