We use AI to identify poor, vulnerable Nigerians in rural areas for cash transfers – FG

DDM News

The Federal Government has announced the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify poor and vulnerable Nigerians in rural communities.

This revelation was made by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, during a recent interview with Arise News.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the AI-driven initiative is part of efforts to streamline the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The Minister explained that AI helps analyze phone data to pinpoint individuals in need of financial support across various regions.

According to Yilwatda, this system has enabled the government to disburse funds more efficiently and avoid duplication and fraud.

He disclosed that approximately 5.8 million households, translating to nearly 29 million Nigerians, have received support in just six months.

These figures reflect the impact of President Tinubu’s directive to ensure only verified account holders benefit from the initiative.

The CCT programme aims to provide ₦75,000 per beneficiary in a bid to reduce poverty and stimulate economic activities at the grassroots.

Some critics have argued that the ₦75,000 payment is inadequate to kick-start small businesses or sustain households.

However, Yilwatda countered these views by pointing to World Bank-supported research indicating real results on the ground.

He revealed that 18% of the beneficiaries were able to start small businesses with the funds provided.

“I’m from a rural community,” he said, “and we’ve seen firsthand that this amount can create real change when used wisely.”

He further emphasized the importance of using verified financial data to ensure transparency and traceability in fund disbursement.

The Minister highlighted that the AI model not only identified poor rural dwellers but also located 6.5 million urban poor Nigerians.

These urban dwellers were later incorporated into the national social register for inclusion in future government interventions.

He described the AI methodology as a major step forward in addressing the challenges of poverty reduction through digital inclusion.

Yilwatda explained that telephone usage patterns, geographic indicators, and financial activity were some of the data sources used in the AI process.

He noted that this modern approach eliminated human bias and corruption which previously hampered the distribution of government aid.

The Minister added that this innovation marks a significant evolution from earlier cash transfer methods that relied heavily on local recommendations.

He stressed that leveraging AI ensures that even the most isolated communities are not left out of the social safety net.

The technology also enhances accountability, as data collected is matched with existing financial records for verification.

According to the Minister, this method of identification is faster, more reliable, and scalable for future outreach programmes.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for humanitarian purposes and poverty eradication.

Yilwatda also disclosed that the ministry would continue to collaborate with both local and international development partners to improve outcomes.

In particular, the involvement of the World Bank has brought added credibility and analytical depth to the programme.

He expressed confidence that the new approach would serve as a blueprint for other African countries facing similar challenges.

He added that government agencies at the federal and state levels are being trained to understand and utilize the AI model effectively.

The integration of AI, he said, is part of a broader effort to digitize Nigeria’s social intervention strategies.

He also confirmed that regular assessments will be carried out to evaluate the performance and impact of the CCT programme.

This will ensure that the initiative remains transparent, data-driven, and responsive to real-world economic changes.

Yilwatda affirmed that the Federal Government intends to build a resilient framework that adapts to Nigeria’s evolving socio-economic landscape.

The government also plans to expand the social register to include more vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities and elderly citizens.

Analysts have described the move as bold, especially in a country where digital infrastructure in rural areas remains a challenge.

Nonetheless, the Minister expressed optimism that the AI-enhanced CCT would bridge the gap between technology and grassroots welfare delivery.

He called on state governments and local authorities to support the Federal Government in identifying and assisting those in genuine need.

He also urged Nigerians to support the initiative by ensuring accurate information is provided during verification processes.

In closing, Yilwatda reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to deploy cutting-edge solutions in the fight against poverty and inequality.

He noted that while the CCT programme may not end poverty overnight, it is a critical step towards long-term economic empowerment.

The Federal Government’s new strategy represents a turning point in how social welfare is delivered in Nigeria.

By embracing AI, the government hopes to create a transparent, inclusive, and sustainable model for supporting its most vulnerable citizens.

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