Uche Uwaleke, an expert in economics and capital markets, has called on the Nigerian Federal Government to reconsider its conditional cash transfer program, which is a key initiative aimed at reducing poverty under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a recent interview, Uwaleke highlighted the necessity for significant redesign of the program to boost transparency and public trust. He stated that proper identification of beneficiaries, reliable payment systems, sufficient transfer amounts, and effective monitoring are essential for the program to succeed.
He warned that a program unable to independently verify its beneficiaries risks excluding deserving households and may foster abuse, thereby undermining public confidence. Uwaleke urged the government to adopt a more transparent and independently verifiable social protection framework, which should include a regularly updated social register linked to credible data from government bodies. He suggested the incorporation of community-based verification alongside digital identification to ensure inclusivity for remote and underserved areas.
Concerning financial transaction integrity, Uwaleke proposed establishing a payment architecture that allows for traceability, accessible grievance redress mechanisms, and frequent impact assessments.
Additionally, he spoke on the pressing need to revive the Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) program to tackle the issues affecting food production and infrastructure in rural areas. Uwaleke emphasized that national development should not solely focus on urban centers but must also engage rural communities, thereby improving agricultural productivity and access to essential services.
The expert recommended a community-centered initiative that would engage federal, state, and local governments with defined accountability measures and measurable outcomes. He stressed that priorities of such a program should include infrastructure enhancements like feeder roads, irrigation systems, and primary healthcare access, which are vital for boosting agricultural output and creating job opportunities.
Uwaleke elaborated that beyond agriculture, energy costs continue to hinder domestic production, urging the government to invest in gas infrastructure, renewable energy, and reliable electricity supply as part of a broader strategy for economic prosperity.
He further pointed out that improvements in transportation infrastructure are crucial, emphasizing the completion of strategic roads, railways, and ports to enhance economic connectivity and trade efficiency. Uwaleke stated that successful infrastructure investment must be measured not just by expenditure but by its long-term impact on productivity and employment.
In concluding his recommendations, Uwaleke stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to enhance domestic manufacturing and industrial development, advocating for supportive policies and stable regulatory frameworks.
