PDP, NNPP, Labour Party Warn Against Misuse, Diversion Of ₦4 Billion Relief Fund For Vulnerable Nigerians

Opposition parties in Nigeria have urged the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to ensure transparency in the disbursement of the ₦4 billion fund earmarked for vulnerable households.

Concerns were raised in separate interviews with The PUNCH that these funds could be misused to benefit APC members, as alleged in previous cases involving government palliatives.

Naija News reports that the warning came after the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Government announced the approval of ₦4 billion for conditional cash transfers to support vulnerable households nationwide.

This announcement was made during the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan at the United Nations House in Abuja.

Government’s Intervention Plans

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, detailed the initiative, which aims to address Nigeria’s growing humanitarian challenges.

The programme, targeting at least 10 million displaced households, is set to run from February to April, focusing on families in the Northeast affected by displacement.

“We are prioritising women, especially widows, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. The experiences of displaced women, particularly those facing pregnancy or disability, are especially challenging. We understand these vulnerabilities and will continue to support those who are most in need.

“The President has approved the Ministry’s plan to begin paying conditional cash transfers to 10 million displaced households between February and April. This initiative aims to support those most in need, particularly vulnerable families affected by displacement,” the Minister stated.

In addition, the government has approved ₦2 billion in interest-free loans for farmers in rural areas to enhance food production and self-sufficiency. Each household is expected to receive loans ranging from ₦300,000 to ₦400,000.

“Furthermore, ₦4bn provision has been approved to support vulnerable groups through cash transfers, targeting families affected by natural disasters and other crises. These interventions are part of the government’s broader strategy to alleviate poverty and provide relief to those in urgent need,” the Minister added.

Concerns from Opposition Leaders

Reacting to the announcement, Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Timothy Osadolor, expressed doubts about the proper utilisation of the funds.

“Well, it’s one thing to approve, another to disburse, and yet another to embezzle. Given the capacity of this government, it is easier for us to believe that embezzlement will be the result of these efforts, otherwise, it’s a conflicting situation,” Osadolor stated in an interview.

He criticised the government’s economic policies, suggesting that the funds should instead be invested in agriculture and infrastructure to create sustainable solutions.

“But why spend so much money to bring relief to people whom your policies have deliberately and carefully impoverished in the first place? Why not invest those funds into agriculture to ensure food security or improve electricity supply?

“By so doing, people can become more engaged and self-sufficient instead of depending on government handouts. Otherwise, how sustainable will these handouts be? I fear that this fund will end up the same way as the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs embezzled funds.

“These funds should be used to support medical centers, build world-class facilities so our people don’t die from lack of care, and provide a cushion for the impoverished. This will help prevent further loss of lives,” he added.

National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson, raised similar concerns about transparency and criteria for identifying beneficiaries.

“Vulnerable households, yes, but how do we identify these vulnerable households? What data are they using? If you approve money for vulnerable people, what are the criteria?

“Most times, we see that when palliatives are being distributed, it’s done through the party system, giving them to members of the APC or others, particularly during Christmas or New Year and Sallah. I hope the so-called vulnerable households’ palliative won’t follow the same route.

“There’s nothing wrong with having a social security system if it’s properly managed, focusing on vulnerable Nigerians, regardless of religion, tribe, or party affiliation. So, I think it’s something people must look at closely and properly. But ordinarily, it is fine.

“For it to get to those who deserve it, Federal Government and the APC must be truthful to themselves. If they can honestly say that every Nigerian who is vulnerable is entitled to help, regardless of their political affiliation, then that would be good. But your guess is as good as mine whether this APC government can be that truthful,” Johnson remarked.

National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, argued that empowering people through grassroots initiatives would yield better results than direct cash handouts.

“First and foremost, we must define who the vulnerables are in Nigeria because the vulnerable population in Nigeria is more than 70 per cent of the total population. So how many of them are you going to reach with that? Today, there are many people earning salaries that cannot take them home. These are vulnerable people.

“No government has been transparent. But this government has proven to be worse in showing any sign of transparency in dealing with the public. The stealing going on there is massive and the Tinubu administration is doing little to stop it, except the few uncovered and exposed by the media. If not, they would be swept under the carpet.

‘So those policies are good. But giving people cash hardly solve any problem. But putting it in an environment where they can be productive is what is needed so people can work and making a living out of it. So I don’t really subscribe to giving Nigerians handouts or stipends. In fact, I call it tips because it can really not do much. A lot is happening in Nigeria that leaves much to be desired,” Ifoh asserted.

Humanitarian Focus and Gender Prioritisation

Prof. Yilwada highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and conflict-affected communities.

The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan was developed to provide sustainable solutions for regions such as Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.

The Minister also emphasised the special focus on female-headed households, which are often more vulnerable to hunger, gender-based violence, and other socio-economic challenges.

“Female-headed households experience higher rates of hunger than male-headed ones, and this is where we will focus much of our efforts. Ensuring access to food, water, healthcare, and safety for these women is one of our top priorities,” Yilwada stated.

Multi-Sectoral Approach

In addressing the overlapping crises of conflict, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks, the Minister stressed the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to build resilience and ensure long-term recovery for affected communities.

“We are tackling overlapping crises—conflict, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks. The situation requires a multi-sectoral approach to address not only the immediate needs of those affected but also their longer-term recovery and resilience,” he said.

The Federal Government has called for collaboration among humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding stakeholders to support these vulnerable groups effectively.

However, the opposition insists on the need for honesty and transparency in implementing these interventions to truly benefit those in need.