Federal Government Deploys Innovative Approach to Tackle Poverty

BY Victoria otonyemeba
May 31, 2025
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In a bid to effectively identify and support the most vulnerable citizens, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has announced that the government is utilizing cutting-edge technology to pinpoint extremely disadvantaged individuals, particularly in remote areas.

During a recent interview with Arise News, Minister Yilwatda disclosed that a staggering number of Nigerians, totaling over 5.8 million, have benefited from the government’s financial assistance program within a mere six-month period.

This development follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the importance of disbursing funds directly into verified bank accounts.

The minister highlighted the positive impact of the N75,000 grant disbursed to recipients, citing its role in empowering many to establish small-scale enterprises.

Minister Yilwatda, who hails from a rural community, emphasized the significance of such financial support, stating that it can have a profound effect on the lives of rural farmers.

According to Minister Yilwatda, research conducted in collaboration with the World Bank revealed that approximately 18% of beneficiaries were able to launch their own businesses, thanks to the grant.

The initiative has reportedly reached around 5.8 million households, translating to nearly 29 million individuals across the country.

Minister Yilwatda also revealed that the government has leveraged advanced technology, including the analysis of telephone data and socioeconomic indicators, to identify those most in need. This approach enabled the government to generate a comprehensive list of impoverished individuals in rural communities and uncover an additional 6.5 million urban poor, who were subsequently added to the national social register.

The minister reassured that the federal government remains committed to harnessing the power of technology and data-driven tools to ensure transparency and maximize the impact of its poverty reduction efforts.