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The National Information Technology Development Agency – Computer Emergency readiness and Response Team (NITDA-CERRT) have issued an advisory to the public against clicking on unknown links and sharing personal information on such websites to avoid falling victim to cyber criminals.
This warning was in response to a viral grant scheme called “President Tinubu N50,000 Cash grants” circulating on social media platforms.
Claim:
A dedicated website promoting this program alleges that President Bola Tinubu has honored a commitment made during his inauguration on May 29th, which entails providing a N50,000 cash grant to all Nigerians.
“Congratulations!!! President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have fulfil his 50,000 naira cash grant promise made to all Nigerians during inauguration” the website claimed.
The website encourages individuals to apply by completing a form that asks for their name, email, phone number, and state of residence. Once the form is submitted, beneficiaries are then prompted to verify their bank details.
It further alleged that a significant number of Nigerians, exceeding 100,000, have exploited the opportunity and shared fabricated testimonies to lend credibility to the claim.
How True is this Claim?
In his inauguration speech, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of creating substantial opportunities for the youth population, stating that his administration was committed to fulfilling its campaign promise of generating one million new jobs in the digital economy.
Additionally, the government says it will collaborate with the National Assembly to develop a comprehensive Jobs and Prosperity bill that aims to provide the administration with the necessary policy framework to undertake labor-intensive infrastructure projects, promote the growth of light industries, and enhance social services for the less privileged, elderly, and vulnerable members of society.
However, NITDA has noted that any grant scheme initiated by the Federal Government will be communicated through the appropriate agency responsible for supervising such programs.
“This website is a phishing website that tends to lure users into divulging their personal information…NITDA-CERRT hereby wishes to advise the public to avoid and desist from clicking on unknown links and divulging personal information on this website and other similar websites, in order not to fall prey to cyber criminals,” the Agency warned.
This recent warning by NITDA-CERRT is not the first instance of scams involving cash grants being circulated in Nigeria.
In November 2022, a false broadcast message spread on WhatsApp claiming that the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate for the 2023 general election, was offering N15,000 in cash to all Nigerians as a campaign grant. This message was debunked and found to be false.
Scammers often exploit people’s vulnerabilities and target them through phone calls, messages, and social media platforms with promises of financial rewards or empowerment funds.
It should be noted, however, that the Nigerian government has implemented genuine cash grant programs in the past. In 2022, the Federal Government disbursed cash grants to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities and senior citizens, in Zamfara State.
The grants ranged from N50,000 to N300,000 and were part of the government’s efforts to alleviate poverty and empower its citizens.
In 2021, the government also paid N50,000 grants to 25,000 entrepreneurs as part of its conditional cash transfer program for micro-enterprises. This initiative aimed to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing entrepreneurial and vocational skills training.
Verdict:
The claim the President Bola Tinubu is giving out a N50,000 cash grant to all Nigerians is FALSE and should be disregarded by the public.