FG Deepens Social Protection Drive as Minister Bernard M. Doro Engages Beneficiaries In Kwara, Reinforces Poverty Exit Strategy

The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s social protection architecture and advancing a structured pathway for poverty exit, as he led a high-level Beneficiary and Stakeholder Engagement under the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer (HoPE-CT) Programme in Kwara State.

The engagement forms part of an ongoing nationwide interface across the six geopolitical zones, designed to assess programme performance, gather direct feedback from beneficiaries, and ensure that policy decisions are informed by real-time experiences at the grassroots. It also aligns with the Federal Government’s broader commitment to delivering inclusive, people-centered interventions that promote dignity, resilience, and long-term economic stability.

Addressing a diverse audience comprising beneficiaries, government officials, development partners, Civil Society
Organisations and community leaders. The Honourable Minister underscored the importance of direct engagement in shaping effective policy outcomes. He noted that, governance must be responsive and grounded in the lived realities of citizens, particularly those at the receiving end of social protection interventions.

“I needed to come down myself—to see, to hear, and to understand what is working and what must change,” the Minister stated, emphasizing that firsthand engagement provides invaluable insights that cannot be captured through reports alone. He further noted that, such engagements are critical to ensuring that programmes remain responsive, accountable, and impactful.

The Minister stressed that the HoPE-CT Programme is not merely a disbursement mechanism but a strategic intervention designed to support vulnerable households while laying the foundation for long-term economic empowerment. According to him, “government support must not end at disbursement; it must translate into measurable progress, improved livelihoods, and ultimately, self-reliance.”

He further articulated the Ministry’s evolving direction under the One Humanitarian – One Poverty Response System, explaining that, the approach is aimed at eliminating fragmentation in service delivery and ensuring that all interventions are coordinated, data-driven, and outcome-focused. He noted that this system is being designed to create a seamless pathway through which beneficiaries can transition from vulnerability to resilience and ultimately exit poverty in a structured and sustainable manner.

Dr. Doro also used the opportunity to address recurring misconceptions surrounding the programme, particularly the aggregation of beneficiary figures across different tranches. He clarified that beneficiary transitions across phases are largely influenced by validation mechanisms, including the National Identification Number (NIN) process, and should not be interpreted as entirely separate populations.

Responding to testimonies, the Honourable Minister assured beneficiaries that their feedback would be carefully documented and integrated into ongoing programe refinements. He reiterated that, the ministry is committed to ensuring that, interventions are not only delivered but monitored to guarantee real and lasting impact

He further emphasized that, the next phase of implementation will focus on strengthening linkages between cash support and complementary interventions such as livelihood development, skills acquisition and cooperative structures all aimed at enabling beneficiaries to transition towards economic independence.

He said, the ministry remains committed to working closely with state governments, development partners and community stakeholders to ensure that social protection interventions are effectively delivered, transparently managed and aligned with the broader goal of lifting Nigerians out of poverty.

Adding that, as the nation wide engagement continues, the ministry will sustain it’s focus on building a unified, responsive and results- driven system that not only supports vulnerable populations but empowers them to achieve sustainable livelihoods and long- term economic stability.

In her welcome remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Social Development, Kwara State, Dr. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, commended the Federal Government for its sustained commitment to social protection and the continued implementation of the HoPE-CT Programme across the State. She described the initiative as a critical intervention that has significantly improved the welfare of vulnerable households and strengthened social inclusion.

Dr. Imam further reaffirmed the Kwara State Government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Federal Ministry, noting that such partnerships are essential to expanding programme reach, enhancing delivery efficiency, and ensuring that the benefits of social protection interventions are felt across communities.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Acting General Manager of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), Dr. Abdulwasiu Olayinka Tejidini, and the Honourable Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, both of whom applauded the Federal Government’s efforts in strengthening social protection systems.

All the speakers noted that, the HoPE-CT Programme has not only provided immediate financial relief to vulnerable households but has also contributed to restoring dignity, improving livelihoods, and strengthening community resilience. They further emphasized the importance of sustaining and expanding such interventions to ensure broader reach and long-term impact.

A major highlight of the engagement was the interactive session between the Honourable Minister and beneficiaries, which provided a platform for participants to share firsthand accounts of how the programme has impacted their lives.

Bernard M. Doro

Amongst the numerous testimonies,
Abubakar Olayinka of Balogun Fulani Ward in Ilorin South Local Government Area, one of the beneficiaries, narrated how he utilized the support received to establish a small-scale pure water business, which has since become a steady source of income for his household. He expressed appreciation for the intervention and appealed to the Government to sustain and expand the programme to reach more vulnerable Nigerians.

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Another testimony, a female beneficiary shared how the support received enabled her to purchase essential medication for her ailing father, describing the intervention as timely and life-saving.

She noted that without the assistance, accessing the required treatment would have been extremely difficult, and commended the Government for prioritizing the needs of vulnerable families.

The event recorded the presence of several dignitaries and key stakeholders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, the Chairman, House Committee on Social Development, Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Olushola Odetundun, representatives of development partners, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other senior government officials.

Janet McDickson Noah
Director, Information and Public Relations.