Nigeria Strengthens Poverty Exit Framework as Minister Interfaces with HoPE-CT Beneficiaries in Kwara
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified efforts to build a more responsive and results-driven social protection system, as the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, engaged beneficiaries and stakeholders of the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer (HoPE-CT) Programme in Kwara State.
The high-level engagement is part of an ongoing nationwide tour across the six geopolitical zones aimed at evaluating programme effectiveness, collecting direct feedback from beneficiaries, and aligning policy decisions with grassroots realities. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive, people-focused interventions that promote dignity, resilience, and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Doro emphasized the importance of direct interaction with beneficiaries, noting that effective governance must reflect the real-life experiences of citizens, especially those impacted by social intervention programmes.
“I needed to come down myself—to see, to hear, and to understand what is working and what must change,” he said, stressing that firsthand engagement provides insights beyond formal reports and strengthens accountability and impact.
The Minister reiterated that the HoPE-CT Programme is designed not only as a financial support mechanism but as a long-term empowerment strategy. He explained that the goal is to ensure that government assistance leads to measurable improvements in livelihoods and ultimately enables beneficiaries to achieve self-reliance.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, Dr. Doro spoke on the Ministry’s “One Humanitarian – One Poverty Response System,” an integrated framework aimed at harmonizing interventions, eliminating duplication, and ensuring coordinated, data-driven service delivery. According to him, the system will create a structured pathway for beneficiaries to transition from vulnerability to economic stability.
He also addressed concerns regarding beneficiary figures, clarifying that variations across programme phases are largely due to validation processes, including the National Identification Number (NIN), rather than entirely new enrolments.
Assuring participants of government responsiveness, the Minister said all feedback gathered would be incorporated into programme improvements. He added that the next phase would focus on linking cash transfers with complementary initiatives such as skills acquisition, livelihood support, and cooperative development to enhance economic independence.
Dr. Doro reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaboration with state governments, development partners, and community stakeholders to ensure efficient, transparent, and impactful delivery of social protection programmes nationwide.
In her remarks, the Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, Dr. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, commended the Federal Government’s sustained commitment, describing the HoPE-CT Programme as a transformative initiative that has improved the welfare of vulnerable households and strengthened social inclusion across the state.
She reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Federal Ministry to expand programme reach and improve delivery outcomes.
Other goodwill messages from key stakeholders, including the Acting General Manager of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme, Dr. Abdulwasiu Olayinka Tejidini, and the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, highlighted the programme’s positive impact in restoring dignity, improving livelihoods, and building community resilience.
A major highlight of the event was the interactive session, where beneficiaries shared personal stories of impact. One beneficiary, Abubakar Olayinka from Ilorin South Local Government Area, recounted how he used the support to start a pure water business, which now provides steady income for his family.
Another beneficiary narrated how the financial assistance enabled her to purchase life-saving medication for her father, describing the intervention as timely and critical.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, the Chairman of the House Committee on Social Development in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Olushola Odetundun, development partners, traditional rulers, and other senior government officials.
As the nationwide engagement continues, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction says it remains focused on building a unified, transparent, and outcome-oriented system that not only supports vulnerable Nigerians but equips them for long-term economic stability and independence.
Cover Photo Caption:The honourable minister middle, Dr. Bernard M. Doro delivered his key note address during his ministerial visit to Kwara State, Ilorin.
(FMHAPR Press, 25 April, 2026)
