The Nigerian government has released over ₦330 billion to more than 8 million poor households through its conditional cash transfer program. The plan aims to reduce hardship caused by high inflation, subsidy removal, and a weak naira.
Finance Minister Wale Edun announced the update on September 18, 2025. The program is backed by an $800 million World Bank loan. Each household gets ₦25,000 per payment, sent directly to their bank accounts or mobile wallets.
By August 2025, around 8.1 million households had received money at least once. Another 2.2 million were added after biometric checks. Counting family members, the program now reaches about 70 million Nigerians.
The initiative is managed under the National Social Safety Net Programme (NSSNP) using the National Social Register (NSR). This register lists 19.7 million verified poor and vulnerable households, created with the World Bank’s help.
Recipients are chosen through 40 social and economic factors, including income, job status, and disability. Each must link their National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN). This step, ordered by President Bola Tinubu, helps stop fraud and political bias.
Women lead the way in this program. About 61% of beneficiaries are female, and 36% are between 51 and 65 years old. The North-West region receives most of the payments — about 72% — reflecting higher poverty levels there.
For many families, the payments mean food, school fees, and healthcare. The government says the effort is more than relief; it’s a step toward long-term social protection. The National Social Register will now serve as the only official database for all welfare programs.
But concerns remain. Critics and civic groups say the process must be transparent. In September 2025, a major civil society group demanded a public audit of the ₦330 billion, warning it could become “another channel for political manipulation.”
These fears come from past experiences. The 2020 COVID-19 cash transfer was hit by reports of ghost beneficiaries. A March 2025 House of Representatives report also raised questions about earlier disbursements. The IMF criticized the slow rollout, saying only 37% of targets were met two years after approval.
Technical issues still pose problems. Poor internet slows verification in rural areas, and red tape frustrates applicants. Even with biometric checks, some worry that the wealthy may still find ways to benefit.
Still, the Tinubu administration plans to keep the program running. It will be part of the national budget and linked with skills training and small-business loans to help families become self-reliant.
With inflation near 40% and 33% of Nigerians living in poverty, this effort offers hope to millions. For now, every ₦25,000 alert brings relief — a sign that help, though imperfect, is reaching those who need it most.
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