The Federal Government of Nigeria recently disbursed N24.78 billion to support 991,261 poor households under the National Cash Transfer Programme. This initiative, a part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to alleviate poverty across the country. The programme spans all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), targeting the most vulnerable citizens.
How Does the Programme Work?
Each household received N25,000 through the government’s Financial Service Providers (FSP). The programme directly helps low-income families by improving their access to basic services such as healthcare, nutrition, and education. In addition, the cash transfers help these families build a stronger financial foundation, allowing them to meet essential needs more easily.
The government designed the programme not only to provide financial support but also to promote social stability. By empowering families with financial resources, the initiative improves their emotional well-being and helps them achieve more secure livelihoods. Consequently, this programme contributes to poverty reduction in both the short and long term.
Details of the Disbursement
Assoc. Prof. Badamasi Lawal, the National Coordinator of the National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO), provided details on the disbursement process. In August, the government disbursed N3.83 billion to 153,038 households. The following month, it released N20.96 billion to an additional 838,223 households. By phasing the payments, the government ensures that financial support reaches as many households as possible, particularly those in urgent need.
The National Social Investment Agency (NSIPA) oversees the programme, ensuring that the funds are allocated transparently. It also monitors the effectiveness of the initiative to confirm that it meets its goals of reducing poverty and supporting vulnerable households.
A Broader Effort to Combat Poverty
The Nigerian government continues to focus on reducing poverty with targeted social welfare programmes like this one. By concentrating on the most vulnerable households, the cash transfer programme offers immediate relief and helps to improve long-term economic stability. The government’s ongoing efforts, including monitoring and evaluating the impact of the programme, aim to provide sustainable solutions for poverty alleviation.
For more details on the Federal Government’s cash transfer initiative and other related stories, you can visit the 9ja Eye News and Al jazeera News.