CALABAR– Stakeholders in Cross River State have described the Federal Government’s Cash Transfer Program as one of the most transparent and impactful social intervention initiatives, stressing that its structure has demystified myths surrounding direct financial support to vulnerable households.
This was revealed during a Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting on the National Cash Transfer Programme held in Calabar, which brought together representatives of government agencies, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, beneficiaries, and development partners.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Francis Arribia, State Programme Manager of the Cross River State Cash Transfer Unit, explained that the meeting was convened to deepen collaboration and clear misconceptions.
“Many people doubted the existence of the Cash Transfer Programme, but today, stakeholders have interacted with real beneficiaries who have organized themselves into cooperatives and small businesses. This engagement has provided clarity, strengthened partnerships, and showcased the program’s achievements,” Arribia noted.
He further disclosed that all recommendations from the session would be escalated to the national level and to the World Bank for consideration.
Representing the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Helen Isama, Dr. (Mrs.) Ekei John Okon commended the initiative, emphasizing its role in building productive relationships among stakeholders and providing clarity on processes.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Esther Archibong, Special Adviser to the Governor and Focal Person of the National Social Investment Programme in Cross River State, described the meeting as a convergence of purpose:
“This engagement is not a formality but a bridge linking civil society, the media, traditional leaders, and government agencies to unify energies towards empowering households, igniting prosperity, and restoring dignity to our most vulnerable citizens,” Archibong said.
Civil society representatives also applauded the programme. Mr. Kingsley Eworo, Executive Director of Budget Transparency and Accountability Initiative Nigeria (BITAN), described the initiative as a “beautiful success story”.
“We have seen actual beneficiaries and cooperatives formed as a result of this intervention. While N5,000 monthly support may seem small in urban centres, in rural communities it makes significant impact. However, there is need for improvement in the amount and better tracking of beneficiaries through reliable data,” Eworo stressed.
On her part, Mrs. Christiana Adier, representing the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, urged beneficiaries to sustain their cooperatives and make judicious use of the stipends to improve livelihoods.
Some beneficiaries, like Nka Uwam Cooperative Society, testified that the programme has helped them organize financially, run businesses, and practice community savings schemes (“osusu”), which has improved resilience among members.
Stakeholders unanimously recommended scaling up the intervention, extending the three-month N75,000 household support, and enacting legislation to back the social register used in identifying beneficiaries, thereby ensuring continuity across successive governments.
The Cash Transfer Programme, a component of the National Social Safety Net Project, is supported by the World Bank and implemented across states to cushion economic shocks, reduce poverty, and enhance social protection for vulnerable households.
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