By Ngozi Nwoke
The 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast of President Bola Tinubu during which he announced the disbursement of N330 billion to eight million vulnerable households has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians.
The programme through which the president said each beneficiary received N25,000 in one or two tranches has been hailed as a timely intervention by some, while others have questioned its impact and sustainability.
According to Emmanuel Michael, a leadership coach and founder of HRwithEM, the programme’s intention is laudable, but the impact is limited.
He said: “Disbursing N25,000 to vulnerable households provides only short-term relief. In today’s economic reality, N25,000 is quickly eroded by inflation and rising living costs. It’s like throwing money into thin air.”
Michael suggested that the funds should be channeled into ventures that create jobs and make people productive, such as vocational skills training, small business support, healthcare, and education infrastructure.
“Such investments would not only provide immediate support but also empower citizens to sustainably lift themselves out of poverty while stimulating economic growth.”
Raphael James, Director General of the Centre for Research, Information and Media Development (CRIMMD), Lagos, noted that while the programme may offer temporary relief, it does not address the root causes of poverty or economic vulnerability.
“I wonder, couldn’t this N330 billion have been better spent on infrastructure, education, healthcare, or job creation? These sectors offer long-term benefits and impact a broader segment of the population,” he stated.
James also expressed concerns over the risk of dependency on cash transfers, saying: “If cash transfers become the primary form of support, they may discourage innovation and self-reliance. While short-term aid is necessary during crises, it must be paired with long-term strategies that promote economic empowerment and resilience,” he added.
Aisha Abdullahi, an economist, believes that the programme is a step in the right direction but lacks a comprehensive approach.
“The government needs to consider the broader economic implications of such programmes. We need to invest in programmes that will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and increase the purchasing power of Nigerians,” she stated.
Abdullahi suggested that the government should focus on implementing policies that will promote economic stability, reduce inflation, and increase access to affordable credit for small businesses.
“If we don’t address the root causes of poverty and economic instability, programmes like this will only provide temporary relief,” she added.
As the debate rages on, the experts assertively stressed that Nigeria needs sustainable solutions that will uplift the entire communities, not just temporary fixes.
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