Public criticism has emerged on social media in Nigeria following the circulation of videos showing the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, distributing bundles of cash to women at an event. The footage, which spread widely on platforms such as X, lacked context regarding the objective of the cash handout, sparking online debates about the origins of the funds and potential links to political activities ahead of upcoming elections.

Critics raised concerns over government spending priorities, contending that public resources should instead be directed toward critical infrastructure and essential services like healthcare, education, security, and stable electricity during a period of severe economic hardship. Social media users voiced disapproval, characterizing such cash distributions as a form of poverty exploitation and questioning the transparency and governance motives behind the exercise.

Other commentators adopted a more nuanced perspective, agreeing that financial support for women is valuable but insisting that temporary handouts are insufficient substitutes for comprehensive and sustainable economic empowerment initiatives. These voices emphasized the necessity of structured programs that foster long-term financial independence and professional opportunities for women rather than short-term monetary gifts. Furthermore, some internet users advised recipients to accept the funds while maintaining autonomy over their voting decisions.

As public scrutiny intensifies, questions persist regarding the official purpose of the distribution, the financial source behind the funds, and whether the event formed part of a formal ministerial empowerment scheme. The minister has not yet issued an official statement addressing the viral footage.