President Bola Tinubu has ordered a review of the proposed N8,000 monthly conditional cash transfers to 12 million vulnerable households, following public criticism that the payments are inadequate.

In a statement on Tuesday, presidential spokesman Dele Alake said Tinubu acknowledged concerns that the cash transfers “fall far from the level of intervention required” amidst economic hardship from fuel subsidy cuts.

Alake noted the revision comes “in deference to the views expressed by Nigerians” opposing the policy. He indicated Tinubu has instructed officials to immediately unveil an improved palliative package for citizens.

As an urgent relief measure, the President has also directed the release of stockpiled fertilizer and grains to over 50 million farmers and households across all 36 states, according to Alake.

Tinubu remains committed to supporting poor and middle-class Nigerians most affected by subsidy removal through direct assistance. However, he appears willing to amend the approach to find a fair and impactful solution following public feedback.

Critics called the proposed N8,000 transfers grossly inadequate to offset price hikes.