The Federal Government has disbursed N2.1 billion in conditional cash transfers to vulnerable individuals in Akwa Ibom State between January and July 2025, as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The update was shared during the official launch of the programme in Uyo by Godwin Akpan, the State Focal Person of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP). Akpan explained that the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme began in the state in 2019 with 29,117 households enrolled across nine local government areas, before expanding in December 2023 to cover all 31 LGAs.
The initiative, aimed at supporting the poorest households through direct cash transfers, is now reaching around 28,000 vulnerable individuals across Akwa Ibom. Beneficiaries are receiving debit cards loaded with N75,000, covering three months of support.
Speaking at the launch, Helen Obareki, Coordinator from the Office of the First Lady, hailed the scheme as a defining legacy of the Tinubu administration. She commended its focus on reaching society’s most vulnerable and expressed her continued support for social investment initiatives that uplift communities.
Obareki also highlighted the state government’s complementary efforts, including business and agricultural empowerment initiatives, as well as payment of gratuities totalling over N60 billion from a ₦98 billion backlog covering 2012 to 2023. She urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely and continue supporting programmes that promote inclusive development.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Emem Ibanga, thanked Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering commitment to poverty alleviation. She noted that under his administration, over 205 ARISE Compassionate Homes have been built and inaugurated for vulnerable citizens.
Other speakers, including Linus Nkan, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning; Inibehe Silas, Commissioner for Women Affairs; and Utibe Nwoko, Chairman of Ika LGA, praised President Tinubu’s prioritization of social security, pledging to serve as catalysts in uplifting vulnerable populations.
Representing the beneficiaries, Joseph Emmanuel, a visually impaired resident from Ikot Ekpene, expressed gratitude to both the Federal and State Governments for ensuring transparency in selecting the programme’s participants.
The Conditional Cash Transfer scheme remains a key component of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, targeting grassroots impact and restoring public trust in governance through direct economic support.
