Cash transfers, grant can’t alleviate poverty’

Former Prime Minister Patrick Achi has cautioned African nations, including Nigeria, against relying solely on grants and cash transfers to combat poverty. Speaking at the 2026 Gender and Inclusion Summit, Achi stressed that while such measures can be crucial in times of economic distress, they cannot replace the need for productive employment and income generation.

He warned against developing a system that merely manages poverty without ending it, emphasizing that cash transfers and grants should serve as temporary support mechanisms rather than long-term solutions. Achi argued that true poverty alleviation requires policies that foster economic growth, job creation, and equitable wealth distribution, ensuring that the benefits of growth reach a wider segment of the population.

The First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, echoed similar sentiments during the summit, highlighting the persistent issue of gender inequality as a significant barrier to sustainable development. She called for increased representation of women in decision-making roles, emphasizing that women's economic empowerment extends beyond financial gains to include leadership, access to education, healthcare, and participation in policy formulation.

AbdulRazaq stressed that true empowerment requires more than just addressing immediate needs; it demands systemic changes that enable women to fully participate in all spheres of life. The Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, echoed Achi's concerns, noting that the current challenge lies not in the lack of policies but in their effective implementation and delivery to those who need them most.

Yusuf pointed out that while policies are in place, the critical challenge is ensuring that these commitments translate into tangible benefits for marginalized groups such as women, girls, youths, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities. He emphasized that for policies to be meaningful, they must reach the "last mile," ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and opportunities necessary for a dignified life.