The Federal Government has disbursed N24.78 billion under the National Cash Transfer Programme to support 991,261 poor households, part of its ongoing efforts to alleviate poverty in Nigeria. This initiative, led by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), has reached beneficiaries across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Badamasi Lawal, the NSIPA National Coordinator and CEO, stated that the disbursement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that in August 2024, the government had previously allocated N3.83 billion to 153,038 households.
In September 2024, the agency distributed N20.96 billion among 838,223 households, with each beneficiary receiving N25,000 through their designated Financial Service Providers.
“The Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer is designed to cushion the economic shocks faced by the poorest and most vulnerable households,” the statement added. Lawal emphasized that the program aims not only to reduce poverty but also to improve household finances and encourage savings.
Additionally, the health benefits of the program are expected to enhance the beneficiaries’ access to health and nutritional services. Lawal mentioned that the emotional and social benefits include improved livelihoods, better interpersonal relationships, and increased family happiness.
The government also announced the disbursement of the second tranche of payments to approximately one million beneficiaries of its cash-based Social Investment Programme. Finance Minister Wale Edun disclosed this during a meeting with the Presidential Panel on the Social Investment Programme, though specific details about the beneficiaries and amounts were not provided.
The ministry highlighted key updates regarding the second payments to about a million verified recipients under the Direct Benefit Transfer programme. Edun advised the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office to partner with the National Identity Management Company for National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment to enhance the program’s outreach.
This directive will allow the office direct access to the database of all Nigerians registered on the National Identification Number platform. The minister also discussed strategies to improve communication about the program across Nigeria.
Edun emphasized the critical importance of identifying the most vulnerable individuals and ensuring they receive their benefits promptly and securely through digital means, reiterating President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering social investment programs efficiently and transparently.
