What specific improvements are suggested for the cash transfer program?

The expert suggests replacing the existing approach with a more transparent, independently verifiable, and better-targeted social protection framework, including an updated social register and community-based verification.

What kind of rural development program is recommended?

A community-centered rural productivity and infrastructure initiative, similar to the DFRRI program, is recommended to focus on feeder roads, irrigation, rural electrification, and market infrastructure.

Expert Urges Overhaul of Government Cash Transfer Program

An economics professor calls for a more transparent and verifiable system for poverty reduction initiatives, alongside a revival of rural development programs.

Flat illustration of Currency stack, Ledger, Woven basket, Balance scale, Clay pot

2026-10-08 · Updated 2026-10-08

Uche Uwaleke, a professor and President of the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, has called for a fundamental redesign of the Federal Government's conditional cash transfer program. He stated that the initiative, intended to reduce poverty, needs improvements in transparency and public confidence to be effective.

Uwaleke emphasized that the program's success hinges on credible beneficiary identification, payment integrity, adequate transfer amounts, and outcome monitoring. He warned that a lack of independent verification risks excluding deserving households, enabling abuse, and eroding public trust.

He recommended replacing the current approach with a social protection framework that is transparent, independently verifiable, and better targeted. This includes updating a social register, linking it to government data with privacy safeguards, and using community-based verification to include remote populations.

Additionally, Uwaleke proposed reviving a program similar to the Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) to address challenges in food production, rural access, and infrastructure. He suggested this initiative should be community-centered and jointly implemented by all government levels, focusing on practical development like feeder roads, irrigation, and market access.

The expert also highlighted the need to address high energy costs for domestic production by expanding gas infrastructure, renewable energy, and reliable grid supply. He stressed that infrastructure investments should be evaluated based on their contribution to productivity, trade, and employment, not just expenditure or length.

Uwaleke concluded by calling for a deliberate strategy to deepen domestic manufacturing and strengthen agro-processing, requiring reliable energy, efficient ports, affordable finance, and a stable regulatory environment. He also urged better coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities.

FAQ

What specific improvements are suggested for the cash transfer program?: The expert suggests replacing the existing approach with a more transparent, independently verifiable, and better-targeted social protection framework, including an updated social register and community-based verification.
What kind of rural development program is recommended?: A community-centered rural productivity and infrastructure initiative, similar to the DFRRI program, is recommended to focus on feeder roads, irrigation, rural electrification, and market infrastructure.