The Federal Government has disbursed N493 billion to over five million households under its social protection scheme, according to Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, who announced during a press briefing in Abuja on August 7, 2025.
The funds, part of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) initiatives, were released following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to lift the suspension on NSIPA’s accounts, reversing a freeze imposed in January 2024 amid an investigation into financial irregularities.
Sununu highlighted that the disbursement targets vulnerable populations, aligning with the administration’s focus on poverty reduction and social welfare, though specific details on the distribution process remain limited.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis, particularly in the North, where 71% of beneficiaries reside due to higher poverty rates.
However, the lack of a comprehensive breakdown, such as how the funds were allocated across programmes like Conditional Cash Transfer or N-Power, has raised questions about transparency and effectiveness.
