The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has stated that over 10 million Nigerians who received the Federal Government's N75,000 conditional cash transfer do not have access to mobile phones or social media. These beneficiaries are among the poor and vulnerable Nigerians reached through the government's programme under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. Yilwatda made this statement after a three-day retreat of the APC National Executive Council in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to Yilwatda, the beneficiaries are largely absent from digital spaces where government policies are discussed and criticised. Many of them lack mobile phones, television sets, or access to social media platforms. As a result, their experiences and views may not be reflected in online public debates. Yilwatda highlighted these points while discussing programmes and projects carried out by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
The APC chairman linked the cash transfer intervention to the government's broader social and economic policies following the removal of the petrol subsidy. He also mentioned road construction, student loans, and other infrastructure projects as areas where the administration has committed resources. Yilwatda noted that the government is constructing roads and paying workers on construction sites across the country.
Earlier this month, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) asked President Tinubu to investigate alleged financial irregularities involving over N78.8 billion in cash transfer and social protection programmes. This request was based on findings in the 2024 Annual Report of the Auditor-General of the Federation. SERAP called for greater accountability over funds meant for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
Yilwatda also defended the Tinubu administration's decision to remove the petrol subsidy. He disagreed with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's proposals on the subsidy, arguing that returning to the previous arrangement could affect resources available to governments and ongoing projects. Yilwatda claimed that over 30 states could not pay salaries and pensions before the subsidy removal, but now all states can pay.
The APC chairman argued that reversing the subsidy removal policy would have consequences for some of the programmes being implemented by the Federal Government. He stated that student loans and major infrastructure projects could be affected if the government returned to the previous subsidy arrangement. Yilwatda's remarks came as the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The APC concluded its retreat in Maiduguri, focusing on government policies and the party's organisation and readiness for the 2027 elections. The party reviewed its activities from the national level to state, local government, ward, and polling-unit structures, showing that it remains prepared for the next general election. The APC also resolved to strengthen reconciliation efforts in areas with internal disputes.
Key points
- Over 10 million Nigerian cash transfer beneficiaries lack mobile phones or social media access.
- APC Chairman Yilwatda defends petrol subsidy removal, citing improved state finances.
- SERAP requests investigation into alleged financial irregularities in cash transfer programmes.
