The All Progressives Congress and opposition parties have clashed over the Federal Government’s $1bn Household Prosperity and Empowerment Social Protection Project, with the opposition alleging that the initiative is designed to influence voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress and National Democratic Congress, questioned the timing of the programme, which was launched in Abuja on Wednesday amid growing political activities ahead of the elections.
However, the APC rejected the allegations, insisting that the initiative was a genuine effort by the Bola Tinubu administration to tackle poverty and provide sustainable economic support for vulnerable Nigerians.
The Federal Government said the programme was designed to move Nigeria’s social protection system beyond short-term palliatives to sustainable economic empowerment and self-reliance.
Launched under the theme, “From Palliatives to Pathways,” the initiative targets vulnerable households by improving beneficiary identification, providing immediate support during economic shocks and creating pathways for households to graduate from poverty.
