Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has defended her decision to distribute cash grants of up to ₦5m to constituents in Kogi Central, explaining that beneficiaries preferred direct financial assistance to business equipment because of their immediate financial and operational needs.

The lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, gave the explanation on Wednesday in a statement issued in Abuja by her media aide, Mike Idoko, following criticism over the public distribution of millions of naira during her third anniversary celebration in the 10th National Assembly.

Images and videos of the empowerment programme, held on November 2, 2026, attracted reactions on social media, with some users questioning the public display of large sums of money and whether cash handouts represented a sustainable approach to constituency development and poverty reduction.

Responding to the criticism, Akpoti-Uduaghan said her decision to distribute cash rather than equipment was informed by experiences from previous empowerment programmes, where some beneficiaries reportedly sold the items they received to meet other financial needs.

“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,” she said.

She explained that the latest intervention was designed to give entrepreneurs the flexibility to address specific business challenges, including purchasing stock, expanding operations and acquiring essential production materials.

“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 added.

The empowerment programme targeted small-scale business owners across Kogi Central, including farmers, tailors, content creators and small-scale manufacturers.

Beneficiaries reportedly received grants ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦5m, depending on their individual business needs. Some received ₦2m, ₦3m and ₦4m, while others were granted as much as ₦5m through bank transfers.

In her anniversary message, the senator described the intervention as part of her commitment to supporting local enterprises, strengthening the regional economy and creating better economic opportunities for residents.

She expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve, saying she was honoured to provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs working to build sustainable livelihoods across the senatorial district.

The cash distribution formed part of activities marking her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly.