Politics
Enhancing Nigeria’s Social Safety Net Program: President Tinubu’s Commitment To Nigerians
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has undertaken a thorough review of the N8,000 conditional cash transfer program, aiming to enhance its effectiveness and address concerns raised by Nigerians.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal and ensuring the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
In addition to the review, President Tinubu has unveiled a comprehensive palliative package encompassing various measures.
President Tinubu recognizes the importance of assessing and improving the N8,000 conditional cash transfer program, which aims to support 12 million vulnerable Nigerians.
In response to public feedback on the program’s adequacy, President Tinubu has initiated a comprehensive review.
The objective is to enhance its impact and ensure it effectively alleviates the hardships caused by fuel subsidy removal.
Alongside the review of the conditional cash transfer program, President Tinubu’s administration is introducing a wide-ranging palliative package.
This package encompasses various measures designed to provide relief and support to Nigerians.
Recognizing the importance of agriculture in the country, President Tinubu has ordered the distribution of fertilizers to approximately 50 million farmers.
Additionally, grains will be allocated to households across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
These initiatives aim to bolster food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
President Tinubu assures Nigerians that the N500 billion allocated by parliament to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal will be utilized judiciously.
The President remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the allocation and utilization of these funds.
The objective is to benefit all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.
President Tinubu’s administration places great emphasis on equitable distribution and prioritizes the collective welfare of the nation.
President Tinubu’s commitment to the wellbeing of Nigerians is evident in his approach as a responsive and proactive leader.
Demonstrating attentiveness to the concerns of citizens, the President has taken various decisions to address burdensome challenges faced by different sectors.
Notably, in response to complaints from the business community regarding excessive taxes, President Tinubu signed four Executive Orders.
These orders aim to alleviate the tax burden by canceling certain classes of taxes and suspending the implementation of others.
Furthermore, a Tax Reform/Fiscal Policy Committee has been established to recommend measures that foster a favorable fiscal environment and remove barriers to business.
President Tinubu’s administration has communicated its commitment to expanding the National Social Safety Net Program.
In a letter to the National Assembly, the President requested approval for an $800 million loan from the World Bank under the ‘National Social Safety Net Program-Scale Up.’
The funds will directly support impoverished and vulnerable citizens, aiming to improve their living conditions.
Through the conditional cash transfer window, the Federal Government plans to provide N8,000 per month to 12 million low-income households for a duration of six months.
This initiative is expected to have a positive multiplier effect, benefiting approximately 60 million individuals.
The Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has expressed deep concern over the welfare of workers in the state, calling on the Osun State Government to prioritize the needs and aspirations of civil servants and public workers.
This was contained in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Chairman of the Party, Wole Adedoyin, and made available to newsmen in Osogbo.
According to the statement, APGA recognizes and appreciates the indispensable role that Osun workers play in the administration and development of the state. Without the hard work, loyalty, and sacrifice of civil servants, governance would grind to a halt, and public service delivery would be severely impaired.
The party noted that while workers across the country face similar challenges, the plight of Osun workers demands special attention. Delayed salaries, pension arrears, poor working environments, and lack of adequate motivation have continued to diminish the morale of workers in the state.
“Osun workers deserve better,” Adedoyin said. “It is unacceptable that in 2025, workers still struggle with irregular salary payments, inadequate housing, and insufficient health coverage. This is a violation of their rights and a breach of trust between the government and its employees.”
APGA called on the state government to implement a comprehensive worker-friendly policy that includes prompt payment of salaries and pensions, professional training opportunities, and improved infrastructure in public offices. According to the party, a motivated workforce is the bedrock of any successful administration.
The party also urged the state government to engage directly with workers’ unions and associations to identify critical areas of need and to ensure a participatory approach to policy-making regarding labor and employment matters.
APGA used the opportunity to salute the resilience and patriotism of Osun workers, especially teachers, health professionals, law enforcement officers, and local government staff, who continue to discharge their duties in the face of adversity. “Your commitment to the state does not go unnoticed,” the statement read.
Wole Adedoyin reaffirmed APGA’s commitment to the protection of workers’ rights, stressing that the party’s philosophy—Be Your Brother and Sister’s Keeper—would remain its guiding principle in standing with the workforce of Osun State.
Call Mgbeke Comedian
North Central Women on Friday criticized Prof Mgbeke, dismissing her recent remarks about the representative of Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as mad imaginings, deception and fantasy.
They also described the remarks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Organizing Secretary, Mr. Blessing Agbomhere, as banal and irrelevant.
“It is amazing that male politicians in Nigeria are resorting to dishonest tactics to fight women.”
The women in a statement in Abuja criticized the leadership of the Senate for placing Nigeria in a dilemma.
“The six-month suspension is raised in almost all the news media in the world.’’
They urged the senate leadership to save Nigeria from ignominy.
Specifically, the women praised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for not allowing anyone to make her an emotional client in the country.
They also applauded her for playing a major role in the national history of Nigeria.
The statement issued by the Chairperson of North Central Women Front (NCWF), Mrs. Mary Adamu emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unflagging commitment to improvement of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The women scolded the spokesperson of Executive Watch Dog, Mr. Fidelis Ella for advertising his ignorance.
The women of repute and experience branded Dr Sandra Duru (Mgbeke), Ella and Agbomhere parrots and bootlickers of anti-democratic forces.
“Unstable people can destroy anybody for a political appointment, contract and petty cash.”
The women further dismissed allegations of malicious agenda, dirty game of propaganda and destruction.
They described the plot to dismantle Yoruba Government, destabilize the national structure and halt the country from moving forward as a foolish talk.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is guided by patriotic commitment.’’
The women urged sympathizers of the Senate President and a former ministerial nominee not to lead Nigeria to confusion.
The statement denounced intolerance, lies, perversion of truth and crazy ideas.
Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom, says political parties should not be the reason for division among people.
Speaking on Comfort 95.1 FM in Uyo on Wednesday, Eno said it is time Nigerians moved past partisan conflicts.
“Why can’t we be peaceful? Why must political parties separate us? Why must we have issues because my brother is in one party? No, we are all Akwa Ibomites first,” he said.
The governor described political parties as mere vehicles to attain power, saying governance should be inclusive once the mandate is secured.
“I see party as a vehicle to get to power — and when you get there, please begin to govern. Govern everyone, relate with everyone,” he said.
Eno lamented what he called the growing culture of misinterpretation, citing a recent controversy about his comments on Ibom Air.
“I know every day, now, I say something, people go to town and misinterpret it. Yesterday, I made an analogy and they say, ‘Oh, the man is demarketing Ibom Air’. That’s far from it. Ibom Air is the best airline,” he said.
“I’m saying that much as I love Ibom Air — it is our airline, it’s a preferred airline. Much as I love it and have it as a state government, if I arrive at the airport and Ibom Air has a technical fault — which is possible — and I have an appointment in Abuja or Lagos, maybe to deliver a talk or meet investors, and there’s an alternative airline… will I not go?
“Will I say, because this is my airline and it is owned by the state government? So when people say, ‘Oh, he was demarketing Ibom Air…’ No! It’s an analogy. Come on, people know better than this.”
Eno reiterated his position that Akwa Ibom people must remain united regardless of party affiliations.
“For me, what I’m saying is that Akwa Ibom is one, political parties are vehicles,” he said.
He said Nigerian politics lacks defined ideological boundaries, unlike in developed democracies.
“I’ve asked the question, and I want you to tell me: What’s the political ideology of this party and that party in this country?” he asked.
“We’re not like the Americans who say, ‘This is the ideology of the Democrats and this is the ideology of the Republicans.’ Everybody keeps going and coming, keeps going and coming.”
Eno said his message was one of unity and maturity, regardless of the platform anyone belongs to.
“Whatever thing I’m doing, I’m saying let us be one. Whether it is any party, any party platform,” he said.
“You have finished the election. We are now in governance. You are sworn into office to be a governor for Akwa Ibom.”
On Tuesday, Eno hinted at a possible defection ahead of the 2027 general election.
He likened the PDP to a faulty aircraft, adding that the party is now fragmented and risks grinding to a halt before the 2027 elections.
In response, Felix Morka, national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the ruling party welcomes the governor’s remarks and agrees with his assessment of the PDP.
“We couldn’t agree more that Plane PDP has become demonstrably inoperable and unsafe for travel,” the APC spokesperson said in a statement.
“We assure Governor Eno that a flight with us will be a mighty good ride to remember.”