The National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) has announced that over 68 million poor and vulnerable Nigerians have been captured in the National Social Register (NSR), covering 19 million households across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a post on its verified Instagram handle, nassco_nigeria, the agency reiterated that the NSR serves as a database for identifying and supporting low-income households through social protection programs, including the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme.
According to NASSCO’s National Coordinator, Funmi Olotu, the initiative aims to ensure targeted, evidence-based, and impactful social interventions.
“Our goal is not just to provide aid but to establish a sustainable platform that empowers families and communities to rise above daily struggles. Transparency remains our priority,” Olotu stated.
However, the disbursement process of the N25,000 CCT payment has sparked mixed reactions.
Some beneficiaries claim that the distribution lacks transparency compared to previous years. Dantala Ahmed, a former N-Power enrollee in Gwagwalada, FCT, recalled how payments were previously made in person.
“In 2019, officials physically handed out cash after verifying names on the register. Now, we’re left in the dark, only hearing about payments through social media,” Ahmed lamented.
On the other hand, Mohammed Awwal, a recipient from Kpako Ward in Suleja, Niger State, praised the digitalized approach.
“The process is now more accountable. Coordinators registered us with our National Identity Numbers (NIN) and provided ATM cards. I received N25,000 in January, and they assured us that the total of N75,000 would be paid in three installments.”
While the government aims to streamline social interventions and reduce fraud, concerns persist about equitable access and transparency in fund distribution.
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