The Federal Government has approved N4 billion for conditional cash transfers aimed at assisting vulnerable households in Nigeria, a move that seeks to address the country’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
The announcement was made during the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) at the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Nentawe Yilwada, highlighted the new interventions as part of broader efforts to support displaced households, with the initiative primarily targeting the most vulnerable members of society. The cash transfer program will begin in February and run through April, with the goal of providing relief to families affected by displacement, particularly in the country’s conflict-affected Northeast region.
The program is expected to support at least 10 million displaced households, offering immediate financial assistance to help alleviate the challenges faced by these families. The initiative is a key element of the government’s strategy to mitigate the effects of ongoing crises and improve the living conditions of the country’s most vulnerable populations.
In addition to the cash transfers, the government has approved N2 billion in interest-free loans for farmers, particularly those in rural communities, as part of efforts to boost food production and enhance self-sufficiency. These loans, ranging from N300,000 to N400,000 per household, aim to help farmers access the resources they need and connect them to market opportunities.
Yilwada emphasized that the government is prioritizing women, especially widows, pregnant women, and those with disabilities, who often face particularly difficult circumstances in displacement situations. “We understand these vulnerabilities and will continue to support those who are most in need,” he said.
The N4 billion allocated for the cash transfer program will help families affected by natural disasters and other crises, furthering the government’s broader poverty alleviation goals. These interventions are expected to make a significant impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians, especially those displaced by conflict and other humanitarian emergencies.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and other affected communities across the country. The HNRP, which was developed through extensive consultations, is designed to tackle the humanitarian challenges in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and other conflict-affected regions. It emphasizes a collaborative approach, combining humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding efforts to promote long-term resilience and sustainable solutions.
Gender dynamics have been a major focus of these interventions, with particular attention given to female-headed households. These households often face greater challenges, including gender-based violence, child marriage, and food insecurity. “Female-headed households experience higher rates of hunger than male-headed ones,” said Yilwada. “Ensuring access to food, water, healthcare, and safety for these women is one of our top priorities.”
The Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Trond Jensen, provided an overview of the situation, noting that 7.8 million women, men, and children across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states will require humanitarian assistance in 2025. The government’s new initiatives, alongside international cooperation, aim to provide much-needed support to these vulnerable populations in the coming year.
