Federal Government Disburses N24.78bn to Nearly One Million Vulnerable Households
The Federal Government has distributed N24.78 billion to 991,261 impoverished households under its National Cash Transfer programme, marking a significant step in its efforts to alleviate poverty across Nigeria. The initiative, overseen by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), saw beneficiaries in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, according to a statement released on Thursday.
Badamasi Lawal, NSIPA’s National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, explained that the disbursements align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. In August 2024, the government paid N3.83 billion to 153,038 households, while a further N20.96 billion was distributed to 838,223 households in September, with each household receiving N25,000 through designated financial service providers.
“This cash transfer aims to cushion the economic shocks experienced by the poorest and most vulnerable households in Nigeria,” the statement noted. Lawal highlighted the broader benefits of the programme, which include boosting household finances, promoting savings, and improving access to healthcare and nutrition.
In a related development, Finance Minister Wale Edunconfirmed the disbursement of a second tranche of payments to nearly one million beneficiaries of the Social Investment Programme, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce poverty. Addressing the Presidential Panel on Social Investment, Edunstressed the need to identify vulnerable individuals and ensure timely, secure, and digital distribution of benefits.
He also urged the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office to collaborate with the National Identity Management Company, leveraging the National Identification Number (NIN) system to extend the programme’s reach. Further reforms to the School Feeding Programme were discussed, with the goal of enhancing transparency and efficiency in delivering social welfare benefits to Nigeria’s most in-need citizens.
