Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Wednesday defended her decision to publicly distribute millions of naira in cash to constituents during an empowerment programme in Kogi constituency, saying the intervention was informed by beneficiaries’ preference for direct financial assistance over business equipment.

She made the clarification in a statement made available to The PUNCH  in Abuja by her media aide, Mike Idoko.

The lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, came under criticism on social media after images and videos of the cash distribution at an event marking her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly circulated online.

Some social media users questioned the propriety of publicly displaying large sums of money and whether such cash handouts amounted to meaningful constituency representation and sustainable poverty alleviation.

However, explaining her decision before the grant distribution began, Akpoti-Uduaghan said previous empowerment exercises showed that some beneficiaries preferred cash because of immediate business needs.

She said, “I have given out sewing machines to many, and at the end of the day, I realised they sold them to either boost their businesses or pay rent.

“So I have decided to give cash to those who requested support to start a business or add more stock. There are also those who will get ₦5m through transfer.”

The Senator noted that entrepreneurs have different operational realities, making direct cash assistance a practical option for addressing challenges ranging from business expansion and stock replenishment to the acquisition of essential production materials.

In her anniversary message, she expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve and described the business grants as part of her commitment to strengthening local enterprises and improving economic opportunities across Kogi Central.

“We rounded off our third anniversary in office by supporting small businesses across Kogi Central with cash grants. From farmers and tailors to content creators and small-scale manufacturers, these entrepreneurs are building livelihoods and strengthening our local economy.

“Thus, I’m grateful to God and honoured to support local businesses with the financial assistance they need to grow,” she stated.

The cash empowerment programme, held as part of activities marking her third anniversary in office on November 2, 2026, covered small-scale entrepreneurs operating in agriculture, tailoring, content creation and manufacturing, among other sectors.

Beneficiaries reportedly received grants ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦5m, depending on their business needs, with some receiving ₦2m, ₦3m and ₦4m, while others were given up to ₦5m through bank transfers.