Mercy Corps’ ‘Building Resilience in Complex Crisis (BRICC)’ programme funded by the
European Union, has signed a new partnership with Y’ello Digital Financial Services (owners of
the MoMo Agent Network), a subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, to efficiently deliver automated cash
transfers and provide an avenue for programme participants with or without bank accounts to
receive funds. This partnership will kick-start the use of MoMo Agent in the distribution of
conditional and unconditional cash transfers to 14,270 households in Damaturu and Potiskum
LGAs in Yobe state.
The European Union is funding Mercy Corps to implement an array of early recovery
interventions across North-East Nigeria which involves cash assistance to vulnerable
households and young people to help restore and improve livelihoods, making them more
resilient to conflict and climate shock and stress. COVID-19 has aggravated the impact of the
conflict in the state, affecting market opportunities and increasing unemployment. Of the
participants that will be given cash transfers, 1,570 youths will receive funds to help them start a
business after undergoing vocational training like automobile repairs, agribusiness, fashion
designing, food business, and phone repairs, among others.
Dez Byamukama, BRICC Programme Director, Mercy Corps said, “The major goal of the
BRICC programme is to build the resilience of communities, by providing them with the capacity
and resources to respond to shocks and stresses, which have been worsened by the COVID-19
pandemic. Cash supports beneficiaries to respond to their basic needs and survive economic
hardship, Automated cash transfer also reduces the cost and security risks associated with the
transfer and direct distribution of cash.”
The presence of MoMo agents in communities where BRICC is implemented, means faster and
more efficient means of delivering cash transfers without participants having to wait in long
queues. With an agent base of over 150,000 across the country, MoMo Agents provide safe,
fast, and easy access to financial services for customers through their widespread presence
and reliable service.
This partnership with Mercy Corps provides a unique opportunity to extend these benefits to the
most vulnerable families in Yobe State and other conflict-affected states in the North East.
Commenting on the collaboration, Usoro Usoro, Chief Executive Officer, Y’ello Digital Financial
Services said his organisation is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian is able to seamlessly
access financial services for their personal and business needs. “To do this, we constantly seek
partnerships to support the financial inclusion strategy of the federal government. We are truly
excited about this arrangement with Mercy Corps and the possibilities. With over 150,000
agents spread across the country, we are poised to deliver easy and fast cash transfers to
beneficiaries of the programme in Yobe State and other locations within the country where
required,” he stated.
EU Head of Cooperation, Tassin-Pelzer Cecile, also commended the initiative, noting that cash
transfers are often more efficient and effective than other forms of aid. She said: “Cash provides
beneficiaries with the means and flexibility to decide and prioritise their recovery. In many
contexts, cash assistance allows more aid to reach the beneficiaries directly. It also supports
local markets and economy, laying the foundations for communities’ recovery and resilience.
Cash transfers are effective in addressing negative-coping strategies such as poor diets or
debts. It is very important that Mercy Corps continue to work with the government to strengthen
the State Social registry of the most vulnerable, linking beneficiaries with the social protection
programme.”