News
FG using AI to identify poor Nigerians, says minister
FG using AI to identify poor Nigerians, says minister
Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, stated that the federal government is using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify poor Nigerians residing in urban slums.
Speaking recently on Arise TV, the minister said AI has enabled the expansion of the national social register.
He added that the register, which initially targeted only the rural poor, has grown from 13 million to 19.7 million people.
“To help someone, you must first know them. You can’t support people you can’t identify. That’s why we started by validating the social register,” Yilwatda said.
“The president ordered that we include the urban poor as well. We used satellite imagery to locate urban slums, then base stations and telecoms data to identify phone numbers in those locations.
“AI helped us generate a list of urban poor individuals by verifying those numbers, their access to financial services, and other indicators.
“So now, the updated social register covers both rural and urban communities, making it more inclusive and reliable.”
The minister said the federal government is targeting 15 million households — about 75 million individuals — with its anti-poverty programmes.
“Nigeria has around 43 million households. We’re targeting 15 million with these interventions. Multiply that by an average household size of five, and we’re reaching about 75 million people,” Yilwatda said.
READ ALSO:
- UK PM Starmer loses control, over 1000 illegal migrants cross channel
- PSG Champions League celebration turns violent, two dead
- WAEC: Katsina Govt. seeks cancellation of English language paper
‘42% Nigerians Affected By Food Poverty’
The minister added that government is providing conditional cash transfers to food-poor households as part of its multidimensional poverty reduction efforts.
“We need to differentiate between food poverty and multidimensional poverty. Multidimensional poverty includes a lack of access to education, clean water, healthcare, and financial services. Food poverty, which focuses solely on access to sufficient food, affects roughly 42% of the population,” he said.
“If you take 42% of 200 million, that’s about 80 million people. Divide that by an average household size of five, and you have roughly 20 million households affected.
“The federal government is targeting 15 million of them. That means over 75% of the food-poor population is being covered through conditional cash transfers.”
He said each household receives N75,000, which may seem small in urban areas but has a significant impact in rural communities.
“I know 75,000 might seem insignificant to someone living in the city. But in rural areas, it makes a difference,” he added.
“We conducted a joint research project with the World Bank and some civil society organisations. It showed that up to 18% of recipients were able to start nano or small-scale businesses with that money.
“About 82% used the funds to improve food security. And 52% were able to pay school fees for their children.
“So, while this is not their sole source of income, it is a meaningful supplement that helps cushion the impact of poverty.”
Yilwatda said the federal government has also introduced a range of structural measures to tackle poverty and food insecurity.
“The cost of food this year has stabilised, and food inflation has reduced. The government has introduced several measures to address this,” he said.
“For example, student scholarships have been offered to ensure that those who have fallen below the poverty line can still access education.
“The government has also made N1.5 trillion available through the aggregate bank for farmers. This will allow them to access loan schemes, boost agricultural production, and enhance food security.”
The minister said past efforts focused mainly on humanitarian aid, but the current administration is pivoting towards long-term poverty eradication.
“Poverty alleviation reduces the pain; poverty reduction moves people out of poverty entirely,” he said.
“Until now, the focus was mainly on humanitarian interventions — relief materials, food distribution, and cash transfers. But that’s not enough. We’re shifting towards actually reducing poverty.”
FG using AI to identify poor Nigerians, says minister
News
EFCC Arrests Abuja House Agent Over ₦288 Million Property Fraud
EFCC Arrests Abuja House Agent Over ₦288 Million Property Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Abuja-based real estate agent, Hajia Adama Ahmed Adamu, in connection with an alleged ₦288 million property fraud, the agency confirmed on Wednesday.
According to the EFCC, operatives of its Ilorin Zonal Directorate apprehended Adamu following a petition from a complainant, Alhaji Tanko Yawale, who alleged that the agent collected the funds under the pretext of facilitating the purchase of a property at House 31, Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja.
READ ALSO:
- Tinubu Govt Unveils National Laureate Prize to Reward Best Theses
- Foreign Intelligence Operations Behind Recent Nigeria Killings – Gumi
- Arise News Anchor Ikokwu Quits Journalism, Joins Politics
“Following the payment, Hajia Adamu allegedly failed to provide valid property documents and became evasive, raising suspicion and prompting a formal petition to the EFCC,” the commission stated on its official X handle.
Property-related fraud continues to be a recurring concern in Nigeria’s real estate sector, particularly in major cities like Abuja, where unsuspecting buyers often fall victim to agents posing as legitimate intermediaries. In response, the EFCC has intensified enforcement against land and housing scams, urging Nigerians to verify ownership and documentation before making payments.
The suspect is currently in EFCC custody as investigations continue. The commission also reiterated a warning to the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent property schemes and to report any suspected cases promptly.
EFCC Arrests Abuja House Agent Over ₦288 Million Property Fraud
News
Alkali resigns as Transport minister to chase Gombe governor’s seat
Alkali resigns as Transport minister to chase Gombe governor’s seat
The race for Gombe State’s Government House has officially claimed its latest heavyweight contender. Saidu Ahmed Alkali has stepped down from his role as the Minister of Transportation to focus entirely on his 2027 governorship bid.
Alkali’s exit follows a high-profile meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.
His departure was formalized via a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
The move is not just about personal timing; it’s about legal compliance. Alkali is adhering to:
* Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026: Which mandates officials to vacate office before seeking elective posts.
* The INEC Timetable: With party primaries for the 2027 elections looming, the window for transition is closing.
* Presidential Directive: President Tinubu has been firm that any cabinet member eyeing an elective seat must resign before the primary process begins.
Alkali, a veteran politician and former Senator for Gombe North, is now the third member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to trade their ministerial portfolio for a campaign trail.
His resignation leaves a vacancy in the Ministry of Transportation at a critical time for the nation’s infrastructure projects, but signals a tightening of the political battlefield in Gombe.
The circular confirming the development was issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana.
The circular stated that the directive “followed the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 election.”
News
US Senator Ted Cruz Alleges Nigerian Officials Behind Christian Killings
US Senator Ted Cruz Alleges Nigerian Officials Behind Christian Killings
United States Senator Ted Cruz has alleged that some Nigerian officials are complicit in attacks on Christians, warning that the United States could impose sanctions on those found responsible.
Cruz made the claim while reacting to the recent Plateau killings, particularly the deadly attack in Jos North area of Plateau State.
In a post on X, the lawmaker stated that American authorities are aware of those allegedly enabling the violence. He accused certain officials of creating an environment where Christians are “routinely persecuted and slaughtered,” adding that the U.S. has the tools to hold such individuals accountable.
The remarks followed a Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba, where gunmen invaded the community around 8:30 p.m., killing at least 12 people. Police confirmed the victims included 10 men and two women, with additional bodies later recovered during search operations.
The timing of the attack, coinciding with a major Christian observance, has heightened concerns about religious violence in Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt region.
READ ALSO:
- ‘I Have Not Resigned’ – Power Minister Adelabu Debunks Viral Resignation Report
- Benue Declares One-Week Easter Holiday for Civil Servants
- JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Mock Results, Delists Over 20 CBT Centres
Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited the affected community, expressing sympathy to victims’ families and vowing justice.
“Your pain is my pain, and the pain of Plateau State. My administration will pursue justice relentlessly until the perpetrators are brought to book,” he said.
The state government also announced emergency measures, including free medical treatment for the injured and dignified burials for the deceased.
To prevent further breakdown of law and order, authorities imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North, which lasted from midnight March 29 to April 1, 2026. Security presence was also reinforced, with additional personnel deployed to stabilise the area.
Security agencies have since intensified operations to track down those responsible for the attack, while residents remain on edge.
Cruz’s comments have reignited international scrutiny over Nigeria’s security situation, especially recurring violence in the Middle Belt.
However, the Federal Government of Nigeria has consistently rejected claims of targeted religious persecution, maintaining that the violence is driven by criminality, insurgency, and communal conflicts rather than a coordinated campaign against Christians.
President Bola Tinubu has also dismissed allegations of religious genocide, stating that Nigeria’s challenges stem from terrorism and extremism, not faith-based targeting.
Similarly, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has engaged with U.S. officials in past diplomatic efforts to clarify the country’s security realities.
Despite these assurances, incidents like the Plateau attack continue to raise both local and global concerns, with growing calls for stronger action to curb violence and ensure accountability.
US Senator Ted Cruz Alleges Nigerian Officials Behind Christian Killings
-
Entertainment3 days agoFunke Akindele, Toyin Abraham Spark Reactions Over Alleged Snub at Iyabo Ojo’s Premiere
-
metro3 days agoJos Attack: Plateau Govt Declares 48-Hour Curfew After Deadly Assault
-
Education2 days agoWAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Timetable for School Candidates
-
Auto2 days agoLagos NURTW Chairman Sego Distributes Exotic Cars, Luxury Items to Cabinet Members (Video)
-
metro2 days agoCars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation
-
News3 days agoUK Raises Visa Costs, Tightens Immigration Rules From April 8
-
Auto3 days agoMotoring World marks 30 years, set to rally industry leaders in Lagos
-
metro3 days agoDebate as OPM Pastor Marries Autistic Man to Older Woman