Ukorebi Esien | August 7, 2025
CALABAR — Stakeholders across government ministries, civil society Organisations, development agencies, and beneficiary communities have commended the Cash Transfer Programme in Cross River State for its impact in reducing poverty and improving livelihoods among the state's most vulnerable.
The commendation came during a one day Stakeholders Engagement Meeting held in Calabar and organized by the Cross River State Cash Transfer Unit in collaboration with the National Cash transfer Office under the Social Safety Nets Programme (NASSP).
The meeting, which brought various key actors together to assess the progress of the program, address misconceptions, share success stories, and discuss sustainability measures for the programme as well defined roles played by various units and office holders of the programme.
In his remarks, Mr. Francis Arribia, State Programme Manager of the Cross River State Cash Transfer Unit, said the meeting was a platform to educate stakeholders especially those from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) not previously involved about the program's scope, achievements, and structure.
"Many myths were dispelled today. People now understand that the Cash Transfer Programme is real, ongoing, and has impacted lives positively. We've seen real beneficiaries who've organized cooperatives and started small-scale businesses," Arribia stated.
He emphasized that suggestions and recommendations from the engagement would be escalated to the national office and possibly to the World Bank for policy consideration and scale-up.
Civil society leaders echoed his sentiment. Kingsley Eworo, representative of Budget Transparency and Accountability Initiative Nigeria (BITAN), praised the program for its transparency and visibility of results:
"This is one of the most practical engagements I've witnessed. People now understand the mechanism of the cash transfers. Seeing real beneficiaries today was inspiring, while also recommending a data-driven approach to scale, monitor, and track program impact and prevent double-dipping. Eworo said
Also present was Elder Dr. Ayitu Aitu, who represented the Project Financial Management Unit in the Office of the Accountant General. He acknowledged the program's effectiveness but suggested extending the current N75,000 disbursement (over three months) to six months for more sustainable impact.
"With six months of consistent support, beneficiaries will be better equipped to save and invest in productive ventures," he said.
Dr. (Mrs.) Esther Achibong, Special Adviser to the Governor and Focal Person for the National Social Investment Programme in Cross River State, delivered a goodwill message urging stakeholders to deepen collaboration:
"Today's convergence is not just a gathering but a symphony of purpose. Let us make 'Better Don Come' more than a slogan, let it be a lived reality in every home."
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Ekei John Okon emphasized the state's commitment to strengthening productive relationships and ensuring stakeholder participation in the program's implementation. "Now you own the program," she told participants.
Meanwhile, a program beneficiary from Calabar South who identified herself as a member of the "Nka Uwam Cooperative" testified to the impact of the program.
"We've benefited immensely. We even started selling nylon bags and have our Osusu meetings that help us support each other,"
she said, encouraging new beneficiaries to also form cooperatives.
In another goodwill message, Mrs. Christiana Adier, representative of the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, highlighted the importance of empowering poor and vulnerable households to reduce long-term social risks.
"Even with N25,000, you can raise poultry or start a small trade. The real challenge is the willpower and structure to sustain it," she noted, adding that poverty can be cyclical and must be addressed deliberately.
"Even with N25,000, you can raise poultry or start a small trade. The real challenge is the willpower and structure to sustain it," she noted, adding that poverty can be cyclical and must be addressed deliberately.
As a way of sustainability and proper accountability, stakeholders made resounding call for Improved data management to track impact and prevent duplication, they also called for Speedy passage of the National social Register bill by the National Assembly and its subsequent domestication by the Cross River State House of Assembly thus making it a legal documents in Nigeria and the State. Another recommendation from stakeholders during the meeting was the need for increment of cash disbursement and duration to meet current economic realities.
Specifically stating that 3 months for 25 thousand won't elevate anyone from poverty they suggested a minimum of one year with an entrepreneurial component attached to it
and mainstreaming of cooperative societies among beneficiaries for sustainability.
As the national Cash Transfer program expands under the NASSP-SU (Scale-Up), Cross River State stakeholders hope that the voices from this engagement will influence national planning and enhance the fight against poverty in the state and beyond.
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