By Joy Odor
The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the utilization of multi-billion naira funds approved for the Conditional Cash Transfer program since 2016.
This move follows a motion sponsored by Hon. Abass Adigun, who stressed the importance of accountability in public fund usage.
The Conditional Cash Transfer program was conceived in 2016 as part of the Federal Government’s broader growth and social inclusion strategies.
The program, implemented by the National Cash Transfer Office aimed to support poor and vulnerable households nationwide.
In August 2024, nominees for the program were informed that they would receive N50,000 each for three months, with payments made directly to their bank accounts.
This initiative aimed to cushion the effects of economic hardship on beneficiaries
“In September 2016, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the World Bank, developed a Social Safety Nets Programme. The National Cash Transfer Office was tasked with implementing the Household Uplifting Programme Conditional Cash Transfers, which caters to poor and vulnerable households across the country.
“The House is aware that the program was conceived as part of the Federal Government’s broader growth and social inclusion strategies aimed at addressing key social concerns in the country.
“The House is cognizant that, to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the program, in August 2024, nominees for the program were informed that they would receive N50,000 each for three months. Their details were submitted online through a dedicated portal and subsequently forwarded to the National Cash Transfer Office.
“The House is also cognizant that the payment was to be made directly to the nominees’ bank accounts nationwide, aiming to cushion the effects of economic hardship on the beneficiaries, who are mostly poor and vulnerable” he said.
