Millions of people face difficulties in meeting their basic needs. The National Social Investment Program (NSIP) was created to help those in need, with over ₦421 billion disbursed through various cash transfer programs since its launch in 2015.

Programs like N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), GEEP, and Home Grown School Feeding aim to provide financial help and support, especially to the poor, youth, and women.

However, there’s an important question that many are asking: Is this program truly helping Nigerians rise out of poverty, or is it just a political move ahead of elections?

The Promise of Cash Transfers

The NSIP includes several programs designed to help different parts of Nigerian society. The Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program gives money directly to poor families to help them cover basic needs.

N-Power offers job training and monthly payments to young people, while the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program (GEEP) provides small loans to entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses.

At first glance, these programs seem like a great way to fight poverty. They not only give immediate financial support but also offer opportunities for long-term empowerment. However, many Nigerians are starting to wonder whether these efforts are truly solving the problem of poverty or simply offering temporary relief.

Political Manipulation or Real Help?

Critics argue that the timing and scale of the NSIP’s cash disbursements raise suspicions of political motives. With elections approaching, some believe that the government is using these programs to secure votes.

Instead of tackling the deeper issues that cause poverty, such as poor education, lack of jobs, and widespread corruption, these critics argue that the government is offering short-term relief to win favour before the elections.

“The government knows that Nigerians are struggling, but the question is whether these programs are actually addressing the root causes of poverty,” says Dr. Chidi Okoro, a Nigerian economist. “Throwing money at poverty doesn’t solve the problem.

What we really need are long-term policies that create jobs, improve education, and promote sustainable development.”

Are Nigerians Truly Benefiting?

While the numbers sound impressive, a closer look at the NSIP reveals that not everyone is benefiting equally. Some people who were supposed to receive support have reported delays or issues with the disbursement of funds.

There are also concerns about corruption and inefficiency in the local government offices responsible for distributing the money.

In Lagos, a group of N-Power beneficiaries claims that they have received little to no support, despite being selected for the program.

“They promised us jobs, training, and financial help, but nothing has come through,” says Kemi Adebayo, a 27-year-old N-Power beneficiary. “It’s frustrating to see all this money being talked about as a success when we haven’t seen a cent.”

The Root of the Problem

Cash transfers may offer some immediate relief, but they don’t address the deeper problems causing poverty in Nigeria. The country’s poverty rate remains high, with over 40% of Nigerians living below the poverty line.

The solution to this problem lies in fixing the structural issues that keep people in poverty, such as the lack of access to quality education, healthcare, and stable jobs.

Dr. Okoro believes that Nigeria needs to focus more on creating long-term opportunities for its citizens. “These cash transfers are just a temporary solution,” he explains. “If we don’t invest in education, healthcare, and job creation, these programs won’t have a lasting impact.”

The Other Side: Success Stories and Government Responses

Despite the criticism, some beneficiaries of the NSIP believe that the programs have made a positive difference.

The Home Grown School Feeding Program, for example, provides meals to schoolchildren, encouraging them to stay in school and helping families who are struggling to feed their children.

Many parents have shared that their children are eating better and attending school more regularly because of the program.

“I can see that the feeding program has helped my children. They are eating healthier, going to school more often, and I believe they have a better chance of succeeding,” says Amina Bello, a mother in Abuja whose children benefit from the program.

The government also defends the program, saying that it is an important part of its strategy to reduce poverty and create more equitable opportunities. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Farouq, has highlighted the success of the program, noting that millions of Nigerians have benefited from it.

“We are committed to improving the lives of our people,” she said, pointing out that the programs have reached every state in the country.

But as the election season approaches, many are still questioning whether this government is truly invested in long-term change or just looking to win votes through temporary fixes.