Facing criticism over the public display of millions of naira during an empowerment programme, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has defended her decision to distribute cash grants, arguing that previous beneficiaries had sold equipment provided to them.
The senator representing Kogi Central said her experience with earlier empowerment initiatives influenced her decision to give beneficiaries cash rather than equipment, allowing them to address their most pressing business needs.
Her position was made public on Wednesday through a statement by her media aide, Mike Idoko, following widespread criticism of videos showing bundles of cash at an empowerment event held on November 2.
The programme marked her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly and featured financial support for entrepreneurs across Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that some recipients of sewing machines in previous interventions had sold the equipment to raise money for other needs, including expanding their businesses and paying rent.
She said the latest approach was designed to give beneficiaries greater flexibility to invest in their businesses, purchase additional stock or meet other essential expenses.
The grants covered several categories, including farming, tailoring, content creation, manufacturing and other small-scale enterprises.
Beneficiaries reportedly received between N100,000 and N5 million, with some allocated N2 million, N3 million and N4 million, depending on their business requirements. Others were expected to receive up to N5 million through bank transfers.
The senator described the intervention as an effort to strengthen small businesses, support livelihoods and stimulate economic activity within the district.
However, the initiative has attracted criticism from civic technology organisation MonITNG, which questioned the decision to publicly display large sums of cash as part of an empowerment exercise.
In its Tuesday statement, the organisation argued that while direct financial assistance could provide relief, it should not take the place of broader development priorities such as infrastructure, education, healthcare and job creation.
MonITNG also urged political leaders to prioritise sustainable interventions that equip citizens to become financially independent, rather than rely on occasional handouts.
The cash distribution has continued to generate debate on social media, with Nigerians expressing differing views over the effectiveness and public presentation of such empowerment programmes.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, is seeking another term in the Senate in the 2027 general election.
