APC chairman explains why Nigerians may not hear of beneficiaries who receive govt’s cash transfers

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, offered an explanation for why many Nigerians are unaware of those who have received government-funded cash transfers. In an interview with journalists following a three-day retreat of the APC National Executive Council in Maiduguri, Borno State, Yilwatda revealed that over 10 million vulnerable Nigerians who benefited from the N75,000 conditional cash transfer programme lack access to mobile phones, social media, or television.

These individuals, described by Yilwatda as poor and vulnerable, were unable to participate in public discussions about government policies due to their lack of communication technology. Despite this, the beneficiaries continue to exist and contribute to society. Yilwatda also criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his stance on the fuel subsidy removal, arguing that the removal of subsidies has allowed all 36 states to pay salaries and pensions, a situation that would be jeopardized if subsidies were reinstated.

Furthermore, Yilwatda warned that returning to the fuel subsidy would halt various government projects, including the coastal road and gas project. He also accused Atiku of attempting to undo the achievements of the Tinubu administration to secure the presidency, a claim the APC and Nigerians rejected.