The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government’s proposed $1 billion social protection programme, describing it as a delayed response to the economic hardship Nigerians have endured under President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said millions of Nigerians have faced rising food, transport and energy costs over the past three years, while the government is only introducing a major intervention as the 2027 general election approaches.

The ADC questioned how the programme would be funded, implemented and monitored, calling for greater transparency in its execution.

The party said its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had previously proposed targeted production subsidies as a way to reduce the cost of living, but claimed the Federal Government rejected the idea.

According to Abdullahi, the government should also explain how more than N600 billion reportedly spent on cash transfers to over 10 million households in the last three years was utilised.

The ADC demanded details of the beneficiaries, evidence of the programme’s impact and clarification on the reliability of the social register used for the payments.

The party also raised concerns over the proposed N40,000 “shock-response payment,” arguing that it could be used to influence voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

It further questioned the constitutional and administrative basis for the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to unveil a Federal Government programme involving $1 billion.

While stating that it supports genuine assistance for vulnerable Nigerians, the ADC argued that temporary relief measures cannot replace policies that improve purchasing power, boost production and provide sustainable economic relief.