The Nigerian government has announced that it will be distributing a total of $747 million in subsidy palliative to citizens to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidies. This comes after the government’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, which led to a sharp increase in fuel prices and sparked protests across the country.

The subsidy palliative is aimed at helping vulnerable Nigerians who are most affected by the removal of the fuel subsidy. The funds will be distributed through the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) and will be targeted at households that fall below the poverty line.

In addition, the government has also announced that it will be spending $53 million on logistics to ensure that the subsidy palliative is distributed efficiently and effectively. This includes the deployment of technology, such as the use of biometric verification, to ensure that the funds are distributed to the right people.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, stated that the government is committed to ensuring that the subsidy palliative reaches its intended beneficiaries in a timely and transparent manner. She also urged Nigerians to be patient and to work with the government in its efforts to alleviate the effects of the removal of the fuel subsidy.

The distribution of the subsidy palliative is expected to commence soon, and eligible households are advised to be on the lookout for further announcements from the government on how to access the funds.