The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Federal Government to be transparent in the administration of its Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme, following claims that 2.3 million households have benefited from the initiative.
Speaking during a press briefing at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) headquarters, the Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, revealed that 2.3 million individuals had been revalidated under the National Social Safety Nets project, noting that disbursements would commence shortly, highlighting the importance of identity verification to ensure accurate targeting, and avoid payments to deceased beneficiaries.
Responding, HURIWA raised serious doubt about the credibility of the government’s claim, citing a lack of publicly available data and transparency.
According to the group, an independent opinion poll it conducted across the country, involving over 50,000 respondents, revealed that none had received or known anyone who had received CCT payments.
It said: “The government’s assertion of disbursing funds to 2.3 million households is unconvincing without verifiable evidence. We demand the immediate publication of the distribution framework and a comprehensive list of beneficiaries in national newspapers to enable public scrutiny.”
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA criticised the government’s handling of the CCT programme, labelling it as audio cash that allegedly enriches political allies rather than supporting vulnerable citizens.
It insisted that the current approach lacks accountability and calls for a complete overhaul rooted in openness and public trust.Citing the World Bank’s Nigeria Poverty and Equity Brief (October 2024) and the IMF’s 2024 Article IV Consultation report, the group pointed out that poverty continues to rise across the federation.
The World Bank projects that 47 per cent of Nigerians will live in poverty in 2024, with 45 million people slipping into poverty since 2018/19.
“It is paradoxical that the government claims to be fighting poverty through cash disbursements, while credible international organisations report an escalating poverty crisis. This contradiction raises valid questions about the effectiveness and integrity of the CCT programme,” the body submitted.
HURIWA urged the government to release detailed information on the selection criteria, disbursement process, and anti-diversion measures of the programme.
The association also called for independent audits to ensure that the funds got to the intended beneficiaries.
“Transparency and accountability must be the cornerstone of all public welfare programmes. The government must demonstrate its commitment to these principles by making all relevant information about the CCT programme publicly available,” it added.
HURIWA encouraged civil society, media organisations and the public to actively demand accountability and ensure that social intervention initiatives serve the country’s most vulnerable populations.
