Tinubu’s N50,000 Cash Transfer Raises Transparency Concerns

The Federal Government’s N50,000 cash transfer programme for vulnerable Nigerians has attracted criticism from Transparency International Nigeria and an economist, who have questioned its transparency, sustainability and ability to address poverty.

The intervention, introduced under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), is designed to provide financial assistance to Nigerians struggling with rising food prices and the cost of living.

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction said beneficiaries were selected through the National Social Register and verified national identity records. The government also announced five implementing banks and digital payment platforms, including OPay, to facilitate direct payments.

However, concerns have emerged over the selection of beneficiaries, funding arrangements, duration of the programme and the number of Nigerians expected to benefit. While some beneficiaries confirmed receiving the N50,000, others said they were still awaiting payment.

An economist and financial analyst, Godwin Oyedokun, described the intervention as a welcome relief but said the payment could only provide temporary assistance rather than address the structural causes of poverty.

He urged the government to complement the programme with job creation, agricultural development, vocational training, microenterprise financing and improved access to healthcare and education.

Oyedokun also called for transparent beneficiary selection, independent monitoring and disclosure of the programme’s funding arrangements and expected outcomes.

Similarly, the Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Auwal Rafsanjani, questioned the timing of the intervention, suggesting that its introduction ahead of the 2027 general elections raised concerns about possible political motives.

Rafsanjani also questioned the source of funding and whether the expenditure had received the necessary National Assembly approval, insisting that the government should provide a clear framework for disbursement and accountability.

Although he acknowledged that financial assistance to struggling Nigerians was welcome, he maintained that N50,000 would not adequately address the country’s widespread poverty and economic hardship.