The National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) has held a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Meeting in Uyo to address misconceptions about the Cash Transfer Programme under the National Social Safety Nets Programme (NSSNP).
The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships and deepening understanding of the initiative.
Speaking at the one-day workshop on Wednesday, the National Programme Manager of NCTO, Alhaji Abdulahi Iman, said the engagement was necessary to let people know the progress the office has made. He was represented by the Cross River State Programme Manager, Mr Francis Aribiah.
Iman explained that the initiative has provided financial support to poor and vulnerable households, helping them improve consumption and general well-being. According to him, the programme has recorded significant achievements, with more than 150,000 beneficiaries in Akwa Ibom State receiving direct cash transfers of 75,000 naira each.
Payments have been made either directly into their bank accounts or through debit cards by Financial Service Providers.
He stated, “We are here to clear the misconception surrounding the cash transfer initiative. People tend to doubt every government programme, especially those involving financial assistance to the poor and vulnerable. There is a belief that the funds are not reaching the intended beneficiaries. To address this, we’re explaining the programme’s structure to key stakeholders, who will then enlighten their communities.”
In his opening remarks, Dr Godwin Akpan, the State Focal Person of the National Investment Programme Agency, said the Cash Transfer Programme is a genuine initiative aimed at assisting vulnerable citizens.
He emphasized that the scheme is real and urged those who still have doubts to visit the Cash Transfer Desk Offices at their local government councils to verify the claims.
The sensitization meeting brought together stakeholders to discuss how to build trust around the cash transfer scheme and ensure that information about the programme reaches more communities.