The Federal Government has begun distributing ₦330 billion to support over 8 million Nigerian households under its revamped social protection scheme, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, announced Wednesday.
The intervention is part of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to cushion the effects of recent reforms particularly subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments on vulnerable Nigerians.
The payments are disbursed via the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO), using digital transfers tied to beneficiaries’ National Identity Numbers (NINs) and bank accounts or mobile wallets, officials say.
According to Edun, about 8.5 million households have already received at least one tranche of ₦25,000. Some households have already gotten multiple tranches.
The programme is designed to reach a total of 15 million households, with the remaining beneficiaries expected to receive payments before the end of the year.
Edun explained the scheme is a response to the economic pain many Nigerians have felt following subsidy removals and currency reforms. The government says this cash transfer is a key mechanism to protect low-income households and reduce inequality.
He also emphasized that the scheme will be institutionalized in the federal budget to enhance its sustainability, and that linking disbursement to NIN is intended to boost transparency and prevent leakages.
While the programme has been praised for scale and intent, some critics argue its execution may face hurdles:
Coverage gaps: With 15 million households targeted, about 6.5 to 7 million are yet to receive funds.
Delays from NIN integration: Some payments have been delayed because many beneficiaries’ NINs had to be verified or linked to payment accounts.
Digital infrastructure & access: In remote or underserved locations, access to banking or reliable mobile connectivity may slow delivery.
One-time vs ongoing support: Some analysts warn that without recurring funding, this may not be enough to offset long-term economic pressure.
Wale Edun, addressing reporters, said, “We are pleased that the social protection programme is now firmly back on track. Linking payments to NIN and direct transfers is a way to ensure the right people get the help they need.”
Funmi Olotu, National Coordinator of NASSCO, explained that the staggered payments reflect the process of validating beneficiaries and ensuring integrity. “That is why some households have received one, two or three tranches already,” she said.
Some households who received payments expressed relief. One beneficiary told a local reporter that the funds helped cover food and essential needs, though they hoped for continued support.
If successfully implemented, the programme could redefine Nigeria’s social safety net and provide a more structured model of welfare. The digital, data-driven approach may also reduce corruption and improve targeting.
However, to maintain public trust and achieve deeper impact, the government must:
Ensure timely payments to the remaining households.
Strengthen outreach in rural areas to assist beneficiaries with verification and account linking.
Monitor and report transparently about disbursements and exceptions.
Consider expanding the program or introducing complementary supports (e.g. job creation, skills training).
