The Akwa Ibom State Focal Person for the National Social Investment Programme, Dr Godwin Akpan, says over 751,150 Households have benefitted from the federal government’s conditional cash transfer.
The disclosure was made during a stakeholder engagement led by the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, with beneficiaries of the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer (HOPE-CT) Programme in Akwa Ibom State, southwest Nigeria.
“Between 2024 and date, a total of 751,150 households have benefitted from the scheme, with over ₦18 billion injected into the state’s economy through the Conditional Cash Transfer programme,” Dr Akpan stated.
Addressing participants at Community Primary School, Ediene Ikot Obio Imo in Uyo Local Government Area , the Minister said the visit was aimed at “engaging beneficiaries directly, obtaining firsthand feedback, and assessing the programme’s impact.”
He described his experience in the state as encouraging and commended investments in social protection as exemplary.
Dr. Doro further stated that “the engagement was designed to deepen accountability, promote transparency through public interaction, and raise awareness of the programme’s achievements.”
In her welcome address, the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, described the visit as “a strong demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians through targeted social investment programmes”.
She noted that the HOPE-CT initiative provides direct financial support to low-income households, adding that “the programme is already delivering measurable impact across the state, with beneficiaries reporting improved living conditions and increased capacity to support small-scale businesses”.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Etukudo; the Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Hon. Asuakak Umoh, who spoke on behalf of council chairmen; and the Village Head, Chief Ekpongntak Udobong, among others.
The event featured an interactive question-and-answer session between the Minister and beneficiaries.
Earlier, the Minister paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who was represented by Her Excellency, Senator Dr Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State.