Some Politicians Trying to Manipulate Cash Transfer Register – Minister 

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs has raised concerns over alleged attempts by politicians to influence the cash transfer register meant for vulnerable Nigerians.

Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, claims that certain politicians are attempting to sway impoverished Nigerians who appear on the social register in order to benefit from the government’s conditional cash transfer program.

The minister, appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Monday, stated that certain individuals are pressuring his ministry to compromise for political reasons. However, he emphasized that this initiative is a collaboration between the ministry and the international community—including involvement from organizations like the World Bank and civil society organizations—making it more than just an activity of one single ministry.

He mentioned that some individuals are expecting us to relent and permit the governors or states to simply create and submit the list. However, it’s important to note that this is a conditional transfer, with certain requirements needing to be met in order for someone to benefit from the social safety net.

Therefore, we refuse to permit any political affiliation or connection with this conditional cash transfer. Poverty transcends political parties, tribal lines, and even the language we use. A person in poverty is simply a person in need.

FILE PHOTO: On February 17, 2023, a vendor is seen holding banknotes at the Awgbu market in Anambra State, located in southeast Nigeria. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP)

The minister announced the suspension of cash transfers, stating that both a National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) are now mandatory for all digital transactions to ensure auditability and transparency.

“It will undoubtedly be digital. This time, we’re involving the CSOs to ensure they can verify all payments and conduct follow-ups, allowing for greater transparency in our operations,” he stated.

The minister stated that although 19.8 million impoverished Nigerians are listed in the nation’s social register to be eligible for social safety funds, the government has verified only the identities of 1.2 million people.

Yilwatda stated, “At present, we maintain a social register with 19.8 million people included; however, it is essential to validate the list once compiled.”

“Currently, only approximately 1.2 million individuals have been verified. It’s essential to validate the entire registry to accurately identify those eligible for benefits, confirm their locations and residences, and log these details with GPS coordinates.”

“To ensure their existence and confirm that these individuals are as impoverished as they claim, we can evaluate social indicators such as access to water, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. This way, we can identify those who are truly the most destitute in society.”

He stated that the government aims to allocate N75,000 to 15 million low-income households.

Since its establishment by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the humanitarian ministry has been surrounded by controversies.

In October 2024, President Bola Tinubu appointed Yilwatda to succeed Betta Edu, who had been suspended in January 2024 and subsequently removed from her position.

Edu found herself at the center of controversy over accusations that she was involved in approving N585,198,500.00 for transfer into a personal account. She denied these allegations, claiming they were part of an effort to damage her reputation and insisted that she would never embezzle government funds.

Interestingly, Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, was also investigated for allegedly laundering N37.1 billion during the administration of former President Buhari.