The National Economic Council (NEC) has reached a unanimous resolution to discontinue the use of the national social register employed by the Buhari administration to implement its conditional cash transfer program, citing credibility concerns. As a result, the council has advised states to create their own registers to facilitate cash transfers for those in need. This decision was made during the NEC meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa.
In response to the petrol subsidy removal’s impact, the Federal Government has announced plans to distribute 252,000 metric tons of grains to states at subsidized rates, aiming to alleviate hardship for the affected population.
However, during the meeting, most states were unable to provide a specific timeframe for the availability of their registers.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, expressed concerns over the credibility of the current social register, emphasizing that the criteria for its compilation were unclear. The digital transfer of funds to the poorest citizens, many of whom lacked access to banking services, proved to be challenging, contrary to previous administration projections.
It was agreed upon that states should develop their comprehensive registers, focusing on vulnerable individuals, and ensuring a clear identification process for beneficiaries. The NEC emphasized that the states should employ both formal and informal means to create these registers, which would facilitate easier access to beneficiaries at the sub-national level. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness and integrity of the cash transfer system, targeting those who need it most.
