moRGANABLE politics/Opposition&Power
While the opposition questioned the intent behind the intervention, the ruling APC dismissed the allegations, insisting that the initiative is a genuine effort to address poverty and cushion the effects of ongoing economic reforms.
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties have traded accusations over the Federal Government’s newly launched $1bn Household Prosperity and Empowerment Social Protection (HOPE-SP) Project, with critics alleging that the initiative is politically motivated ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The programme, unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday, is designed to provide financial support and long-term economic pathways for vulnerable Nigerians.
However, its timing amid heightened political activities has triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
While the opposition questioned the intent behind the intervention, the ruling APC dismissed the allegations, insisting that the initiative is a genuine effort to address poverty and cushion the effects of ongoing economic reforms.
The HOPE-SP Project, launched under the theme “From Palliatives to Pathways,” aims to shift Nigeria’s social protection strategy from short-term relief measures to a more structured system focused on economic empowerment and self-reliance.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our nation is implementing far-reaching reforms to strengthen the economy and lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” she said.
She acknowledged that despite the reforms, many Nigerian households continued to face economic hardship, stressing that the HOPE-SP project would provide immediate assistance while helping beneficiaries transition out of poverty.
7.6 Million Households To Benefit
According to government officials, the programme targets about 7.6 million vulnerable households nationwide.
Each eligible household is expected to receive a one-off digital payment of N40,000 to help cushion economic shocks. Beneficiaries will be selected from the National Social Register and verified using their National Identification Numbers.
The launch also introduced additional components of the government’s revamped social protection framework, including the One-Humanitarian-One Poverty Response System, the Emergency Cash Transfer Programme, and a ministerial blueprint for humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, said the government was moving away from fragmented and reactive interventions towards a coordinated system that identifies vulnerable households, assesses their needs, and tracks their progress toward economic independence.
600bn Disbursed
He disclosed that over N600bn had already been disbursed in cash transfers to vulnerable Nigerians over the past three years, reaching slightly more than 10 million households.
Despite these assurances, opposition parties expressed skepticism, arguing that the programme’s timing raised legitimate concerns.
ADC Expresses Concern Over Timing
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC questioned why the government was only now committing substantial resources to social protection, despite longstanding economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
“Why did the masses only become visible when their votes become valuable?” the ADC asked.
The party also raised concerns about the funding structure and governance of the programme, particularly the involvement of the First Lady in unveiling what it described as a Federal Government initiative.
“Is this a Federal Government programme or a project of the First Lady?” the statement queried, calling for clarity on the budgetary source of the $1bn fund, the institution responsible for its management, and the mechanisms for accountability.
While affirming its support for policies aimed at protecting vulnerable Nigerians, the ADC argued that palliative measures alone could not address the underlying economic challenges, urging the government to focus on restoring purchasing power and expanding economic opportunities.
Similarly, the Nigeria Democratic Congress welcomed the intervention in principle but questioned its timing.
Speaking with Punch News,the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the proximity of the elections made the programme susceptible to political interpretation.
“We welcome every move directed at addressing the challenges facing our people. However, with elections just a few months away, one may wonder why the government is just realising the need for this intervention,” he said.
“The timing will definitely elicit questions that the ruling party and the government may be unwilling to answer.”
Its spokesman, Rufus Aiyenigba, characterised the programme as “a household votes prospecting outreach,” though he acknowledged that such measures might not necessarily translate into electoral success.
The opposition’s criticism comes against the backdrop of broader economic reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market,policies that have contributed to rising living costs.
However, the Federal Government has consistently defended these reforms as necessary steps toward long-term economic stability and growth, while emphasizing the importance of social protection programmes to cushion their short-term impact on citizens.
Responding to the criticism, the APC rejected claims that the HOPE-SP Project was politically motivated.
APC Rejects Claims
The party’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the government could not be expected to halt governance simply because elections were approaching.
“Because an election is coming does not mean the government should fold its arms and shy away from its responsibilities. It is supposed to continue,” Ibrahim said.
He argued that social protection programmes were a core responsibility of government and should not be politicised, especially at a time when many Nigerians were struggling with economic challenges.
According to him, the HOPE-SP initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and poverty reduction, rather than an attempt to influence voters.
Analysts say the debate highlights the increasingly politicised nature of social welfare programmes in Nigeria, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle.
They note that while such interventions are critical in addressing poverty and inequality, transparency, accountability, and effective implementation will be key to ensuring public trust.
With millions of Nigerians expected to benefit from the scheme, attention is now shifting to how the programme will be funded, managed, and monitored, as well as whether it will achieve its stated objective of lifting vulnerable households out of poverty.
