President Bola Tinubu has bowed to pressure and made a U-turn on the N8,000 cash transfer.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed an immediate review of the N8,000 conditional cash transfer program, which aimed to provide relief to the most vulnerable households.
According to a statement released by Presidential spokesman Dele Alake on Tuesday, this directive was in response to the concerns raised by Nigerians regarding the program.
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The scheme has faced significant criticism from Nigerians who consider the amount to be too insignificant. Alake emphasized that the President has also directed the unveiling of the entire range of government palliative packages to the Nigerian people, highlighting that the cash program is not the only component of the relief measures.
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In addition to this, President Tinubu has ordered the prompt distribution of fertilizers and grains to approximately 50 million farmers and households across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This action reflects his commitment as a responsive leader, dedicated to placing Nigerians at the forefront of his policies and programs.
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President Tinubu assured Nigerians that the N500 billion, approved by the parliament to alleviate the effects of the subsidy removal, will be used judiciously. He emphasized that the relief beneficiaries will include all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.
Alake, the presidential spokesman, stated that President Tinubu has pledged to prioritize the well-being of Nigerians and remains unwavering in his commitment. Several decisions made by his administration have already demonstrated this stance, reaffirming his dedication to engaging in ongoing dialogue with the Nigerian people who elected him. President Tinubu’s administration is guided by the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which places the welfare and security of Nigerians as its paramount focus.
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Recent media reports have circulated concerning the government’s intention to implement a conditional cash transfer program for vulnerable households, particularly those most affected by the removal of fuel subsidies. The program aims to provide a monthly stipend of N8,000 for six months to 12 million households living in extreme poverty. Unfortunately, the program has been subject to misinterpretation and baseless criticism by ill-informed individuals.
The government believes in the principle that when something is prohibited, provisions must be made to address the consequences. Since the removal of subsidies—a necessary but painful decision—the government has implemented a comprehensive range of relief measures to assist Nigerians during this period of adjustment.
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It is worth noting that President Tinubu previously took similar actions in response to complaints from the business community and stakeholders regarding burdensome taxes. This led to the signing of four executive orders canceling certain tax classes and postponing the implementation dates for others. Additionally, a Tax Reform/Fiscal Policy Committee has been established to propose recommendations that will foster a favorable fiscal environment and eliminate barriers to business.
The statement concludes by assuring Nigerians that President Tinubu will continue to be a receptive leader, attentive to the views expressed by the citizens. The President firmly believes that the government’s purpose is to safeguard the interests of the people, and his unwavering commitment to this principle has been clearly demonstrated.
