In a significant move aimed at alleviating poverty and supporting Nigeria's most vulnerable populations, the Federal Government has officially approved a conditional cash transfer program that will provide N75,000 to approximately 15 million households across the nation. This initiative, announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is part of the government's broader strategy to combat extreme poverty and enhance social inclusion.
During a recent press briefing, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, outlined the details of the program. Each eligible household will receive the cash transfer within a three-month timeframe, with a total disbursement targeting around 70 million individuals when accounting for average household sizes. This initiative marks a renewed commitment to social safety nets following previous challenges in implementation.
The program is designed to utilize the National Identity Number (NIN) system for beneficiary registration, ensuring that funds are directed to those most in need. Currently, only 1.4 million individuals in the poorest category possess NINs, prompting efforts to increase registration across all 36 states. The government is collaborating with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to streamline this process.
Prof. Yilwatda emphasized that technology will play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and efficiency in fund distribution. By leveraging digital systems, the government aims to minimize errors and guarantee that financial assistance reaches intended beneficiaries.
This initiative comes on the heels of previous cash transfer programs that faced scrutiny due to allegations of mismanagement. In response to these issues, President Tinubu has taken decisive steps to revamp existing social safety net programs, including suspending prior initiatives under the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).