Confusion as Nigerians Storm Banks Over Alleged ₦70,000 Tinubu Empowerment Scheme

By Diafa Doubra,

Thousands of Nigerians have flooded banks across the country following viral social media messages claiming the federal government had launched a ₦70,000 “Tinubu Empowerment Fund” to support citizens. The supposed initiative, which allegedly requires applicants to register with their Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN), and passport photographs, sparked long queues at several bank branches on Wednesday.

Bank officials, however, expressed confusion over the situation, insisting that no such empowerment programme had been officially communicated to them. Many Nigerians who turned up in hopes of receiving the funds said they were drawn by messages circulating on WhatsApp and Facebook, claiming the scheme was part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to cushion economic hardship.

Authorities have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the authenticity of the scheme, but experts are warning citizens to be cautious of potential scams exploiting economic desperation.