Nigerian govt begins disbursement of N5,000 to 1million citizens

As part of palliatives to alleviate the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria, the Federal Government has started the disbursement of N20,000 to one million indigent Nigerians in the country.

Some of the disbursement was performed on Wednesday by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, disbursement at Kwali Local Government Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Reports say over 100 beneficiaries received the sum of N20,000 each covering four months with the disbursed cash said to be paid from the Conditional Cash Transfers Scheme.

The action was in line with a recent directive by President Muhammadu Buhari that the conditional cash transfers for the next two months be paid immediately to beneficiaries.

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Speaking during the disbursement exercise the minster said; “The exercise commenced about five years ago and it is geared towards supporting the poor and vulnerable households of our society,” the minister said while carrying out the exercise.

She added: “We give them monthly stipends of N5000 every month and now that we have these restrictions, Mr. President has directed that we give them two months advance payment and we are here today to carry out that directive of paying the two months advance payment.

“We have over a million people across the country. For the FCT and this particular area Council, we are giving about 5000 households in this area.”

Describing the process leading to the identification of beneficiaries as rigorous, she said: “It is a very long process and many people like religious leaders, community leaders and different groups all came together to identify the poorest and vulnerable households in their community.”

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