‘This is cruelty’ – ADC criticises FG’s $1bn social protection programme
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the Federal Government’s recently announced $1 billion social protection program, calling it a delayed response to the economic hardships that Nigerians have endured during President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement issued by Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the ADC expressed concerns that many Nigerians have faced escalating food, transportation, and energy costs over the past three years. The party noted that the government is introducing this significant intervention as the 2027 elections approach.
“The government must clarify how the program will be funded, managed, and monitored,” Abdullahi stated. He also pointed out that Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate, had previously suggested targeted production subsidies to alleviate the cost of living, a proposal the government did not adopt.
The ADC further questioned the government’s management of over 600 billion naira reportedly allocated for cash transfers to more than 10 million households over the last three years. The party demanded transparency regarding the beneficiaries and evidence of the program’s effectiveness, as well as concerns about the reliability of the social register used for the initiative.
Additionally, the opposition party raised apprehensions regarding the proposed 40,000 naira “shock-response payment,” suggesting that it may be used to sway voters ahead of the upcoming elections.
“This government, which has eroded purchasing power through soaring costs of food, fuel, transportation, and energy, cannot merely offer a one-time payment of 40,000 naira per household as a remedy,” the ADC emphasized.
The party also questioned the constitutional and administrative authority of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, to unveil a Federal Government program of this magnitude.
While the ADC expressed support for genuine efforts to assist vulnerable populations, it stated that temporary relief measures should not replace comprehensive policies aimed at improving purchasing power and restoring dignity to citizens.
“If the Tinubu administration has finally recognized the need to protect Nigerians from the fallout of its reforms, it should acknowledge that reform without relief is not bravery; it is cruelty,” the party concluded.
