By Paul Joseph
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving social protection delivery across Nigeria through direct engagement with beneficiaries, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle poverty and enhance grassroots impact.
This was highlighted during a high-level visit to Ibule Community in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State by the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro. The visit formed part of activities under the HoPE-CT Beneficiary Engagement of the National Social Safety Nets Project – Scale Up (NASSP-SU).
Speaking at the event, the minister stressed the importance of moving beyond policy design to tangible results at the community level. He noted that effective governance requires direct interaction with citizens to ensure interventions are meaningful and impactful.
“It is not enough to design policies from afar; we must come to the communities, listen to the people, and ensure that what we are doing is truly making a difference in their lives,” he said.
Doro explained that the ministry is shifting towards a more coordinated system of intervention aimed at creating sustainable pathways out of poverty.
According to him, the goal is to replace fragmented support systems with structured programmes that restore dignity and improve household livelihoods.
Providing an update on the HoPE-CT Programme in Ondo State, the minister revealed that 173,424 beneficiaries were reached in the first tranche, 110,446 in the second, and 107,704 in the third.
He added that when household sizes are factored in, the programme has impacted approximately 780,408 individuals across the state.
He attributed variations in beneficiary figures to the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN) validation process within the National Social Register, noting that the exercise is critical for ensuring transparency, accountability, and accuracy.
The minister also warned beneficiaries against falling victim to fraud, emphasizing that the programme is free. He urged them to report any cases of extortion through official grievance channels, including the toll-free line 969 available on MTN.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, said the engagement was key to improving programme effectiveness. He noted that direct feedback from beneficiaries helps shape policies that are inclusive and responsive to real needs.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Yemi Perisola, described the programme as transformative, stating that it goes beyond financial aid to rebuild trust in governance and empower vulnerable households.
A major highlight of the event was an interactive session between government officials and beneficiaries. Participants shared personal experiences and challenges, while also asking questions directly to the minister.
The session saw strong grassroots participation, with some beneficiaries speaking in local dialects, supported by community leaders and traditional authorities who assisted with interpretation.
Many participants described the engagement as timely and impactful, noting that it demonstrated a government willing to listen and respond to the needs of its citizens.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives of the Ondo State Government, officials of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), the National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO), traditional rulers, and community leaders.
The Ondo engagement underscores the Federal Government’s push for a people-centered approach to governance, combining policy implementation with accountability and measurable impact.
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