The Federal Government has started the digitisation of payment of the Conditional Cash Transfer programme to the poor for accountability and transparency, according to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq.
The pilot programme, which is in six states of the federation, is in apparent response to the concerns of many Nigerians over the administration of the various programmes for the poor embarked upon by Buhari’s administration that had lately been engulfed in controversies.
The leadership of the National Assembly had asked for improvement, including legislation for effectiveness and inclusiveness.
Hajia Farouq, who is team leader in the provision of relief materials to the poor, the vulnerable and persons living with disabilities, in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, stated this in her state tours to Imo, Anambra, Lagos and Ogun states to check the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s ongoing payment of N20,000 Conditional Cash Transfer programme.
The minister had earlier flagged off the programme and distributed relief materials in Kwali area council in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and was in Ihu, Ikeduru and Ihiala local government areas of Imo and Anambra states respectively.
She said her visit to the states was to inspect the CCT programme and carry out symbolic distribution of relief materials as well as meet stakeholders and beneficiaries.
“My visits are intended to inspect the programme, meet with various stakeholders and beneficiaries. We want to continue to explain to the people how the programme works. The idea is to ensure accountability and transparency and assure them that the exercise is ongoing and continuous,’’ she said.
The minister disclosed that one of the steps taken by the ministry to ensure accountability and transparency was piloting digital payment in six states.
