The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms are being implemented with a strong focus on easing the hardships faced by ordinary citizens, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
Speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference in Abuja, Edun acknowledged the economic challenges confronting Nigerians, including rising food and transport costs, but emphasized that measures were already in place to cushion the effects of the reforms.
The minister revealed that the government has established a transparent, accountable, and robust system for providing direct payments to 15 million households across the country.
“Each individual beneficiary is identified by name and their national identity number, and payments are made digitally – either directly to their bank accounts or mobile wallets.
“This process ensures transparency and accountability while enabling the government to monitor disbursements in real-time.” The Minister explained.
Beyond the cash transfers, the minister disclosed that the government is also implementing a ward-based development programme designed to take resources, information, and funding directly to the 8,809 wards in Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
According to him, the initiative will empower economically active people at the ward level, supporting small businesses, cottage industries, and local entrepreneurs to boost production and create sustainable livelihoods.
The minister emphasised that the reforms aim not only to stabilise the economy but also to ensure that their benefits “reach right down to the lowest levels of society.”
He praised Nigerian young people for embracing values such as empathy, integrity, and responsibility, describing them as essential traits for the country’s next generation of leaders.
Comment here