Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has distributed cash grants to small-scale entrepreneurs and traders during a town hall meeting in the senatorial district.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker said the financial assistance was intended to help beneficiaries establish businesses, expand existing operations or restock their shops.
Speaking during the programme on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that she had previously supported beneficiaries with items such as sewing machines but decided to switch to direct cash assistance after discovering that some recipients sold the equipment.
She said distributing money would give beneficiaries greater flexibility to address their individual business needs rather than receiving equipment they might not use.
The programme covered beneficiaries across Kogi Central, which comprises five local government areas: Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, Okene and Ogori-Magongo.
The cash distribution forms part of the senator’s constituency empowerment activities as she marks three years in the National Assembly.
However, the development has generated mixed reactions on social media, with some Nigerians questioning the timing of the intervention ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Some commentators argued that political officeholders should prioritise infrastructure, employment opportunities and long-term economic projects rather than direct cash distributions.
Others defended the initiative, describing financial assistance as a form of constituency support that allows recipients to decide how best to meet their business needs.
The debate has also drawn attention to the distinction between constituency empowerment programmes and campaign activities, particularly as political engagement increases ahead of the next general elections.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s cash distribution comes amid other constituency interventions, including educational support programmes. On Monday, November 2, she distributed smart devices to selected secondary schools in Kogi Central as part of activities marking her third year in the Senate.
The latest development has renewed discussions about the effectiveness of direct financial assistance and the need for sustainable economic interventions in local communities.
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