The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has revealed that over 10 million Nigerians who received N75,000 through the Federal Government’s conditional cash assistance scheme are reportedly without mobile phones and have little or no presence on social media.
Yilwatda disclosed this on Saturday in Maiduguri, Borno State, shortly after the APC National Executive Council concluded a three-day retreat in the state.
The party chief explained that those covered by the intervention were largely Nigerians living in poverty and facing economic hardship.
He said the beneficiaries were reached through the social support initiative being implemented by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
According to Yilwatda, a large proportion of the Nigerians who benefited from the programme are not connected to the communication channels through which government activities are commonly discussed.
He pointed out that many of them reportedly do not own mobile devices, watch television or participate in online discussions.
The APC chairman argued that their absence from digital platforms makes it difficult for their personal experiences to become part of conversations surrounding government policies and programmes.
He said the beneficiaries were among the more than 10 million citizens who received N75,000 under the conditional transfer scheme.
Yilwatda made the disclosure while highlighting several initiatives he said had been undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He listed social intervention programmes, transportation-related projects, road development, student financing and other infrastructure schemes among the areas receiving government attention.
The APC national chairman also defended the Federal Government’s decision to discontinue petrol subsidy payments, saying the policy had changed the financial situation of state governments.
According to him, several state administrations previously struggled to meet their obligations to workers and pensioners because of financial constraints.
He maintained that increased allocations following the removal of the subsidy had allowed states to improve their ability to meet salary and pension commitments.
Yilwatda also warned that bringing back the former subsidy arrangement could place pressure on government finances and reduce funds available for development projects.
His remarks came amid continuing questions over the implementation and accountability of the Federal Government’s cash transfer programme.
Earlier in September, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urged President Tinubu to examine alleged financial concerns involving more than N78.8 billion allocated to cash transfer and other social protection initiatives.
The organisation said its position followed observations contained in the 2024 Annual Report of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
SERAP called for increased transparency and accountability in the handling of resources intended to assist Nigerians experiencing poverty and economic vulnerability.
Separately, Politics Nigeria reported that human rights lawyer Femi Falana had requested an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into allegations involving N33.75 billion designated for cash transfers.
The concerns raised by SERAP and Falana relate to the administration and handling of funds under social intervention programmes. They are distinct from Yilwatda’s claim regarding the number of beneficiaries who allegedly lack mobile phones and access to social media.
Yilwatda further argued that restoring the former petrol subsidy system could have financial consequences for government-funded projects.
He referenced infrastructure developments, including road construction and other major projects, as initiatives that could face funding challenges if government revenue were redirected towards subsidy payments.
He also mentioned the student loan programme among the interventions that could be affected by changes to the government’s current economic policies.
The APC chairman made the remarks as the ruling party continues its political activities and preparations ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
