The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved N4 billion to provide conditional cash transfers to vulnerable households, alongside N2 billion in interest-free loans for rural farmers, as part of efforts to address the country’s deepening humanitarian crisis.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, detailed the government’s interventions to support internally displaced persons and affected communities, particularly in conflict-ridden regions.
The cash transfer programme, set to begin in February 2025 and run through April, is targeted at 10 million displaced households. Priority will be given to women, widows, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and families affected by displacement.
“We understand the vulnerabilities of displaced women, especially widows and those facing pregnancy or disability, and we are committed to supporting those in urgent need,” Prof. Yilwada said.
In addition, the government has allocated N2 billion for interest-free loans to rural farmers to boost food production and self-sufficiency. Loan amounts will range from N300,000 to N400,000 per household, with a focus on providing farmers with resources and linking them to market opportunities.
The initiatives are part of the government’s broader poverty alleviation strategy, targeting regions heavily impacted by conflict, including Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. The HNRP, developed through extensive consultations, combines humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding efforts to build resilience and provide sustainable solutions.
“Female-headed households experience higher rates of hunger and face greater challenges, including gender-based violence and food insecurity. These are the areas where we will focus much of our efforts,” Yilwada emphasized.
Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Trond Jensen, noted that 7.8 million people across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states will require humanitarian assistance in 2025, underscoring the importance of these interventions.
