Nigeria Expands Cash Transfer Program to 15 Million Beneficiaries

The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed plans to expand its flagship cash transfer scheme, increasing the number of beneficiaries from 9.2 million to 15 million vulnerable Nigerians. Dr.

Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja. The initiative, which is part of the government's broader social protection strategy, aims to cushion the effects of recent economic reforms on vulnerable households.

Approximately N688 billion has been disbursed over the past two years through this program. Beneficiaries receive N75,000 in three tranches, with the intervention set to run from November 2023 to February 2026.

The program is designed to enhance transparency and accountability, with beneficiaries verified through the National Social Register. The initiative is supported by the World Bank and aims to stabilize vulnerable households while promoting financial inclusion.