The Federal Government has confirmed 2.3 million households for payment under its ongoing conditional cash transfer programme, aimed at easing the burden of recent economic reforms.
This follows a revalidation exercise of the National Social Register to ensure accurate and transparent disbursements.
The Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, announced the development during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
She explained that the revalidation is part of the National Social Safety Nets project and is designed to ensure that only eligible Nigerians receive government support.
“As of Tuesday, we have revalidated 2.3 million households and are preparing to begin payments,” she said. “We’re working with other agencies to ensure the funds reach the right beneficiaries.”
The exercise comes amid concerns from the World Bank about the slow pace of implementation.
In its latest Nigeria Development Update titled “Building Momentum for Inclusive Growth”, the bank revealed that just 5.6 million households—about 37% of the target 15 million—had received payments two years after the programme began in 2023.
The initiative was introduced following the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market.
Of the $800 million loan approved by the World Bank for the programme, $530 million had been disbursed as of April 30, 2025.
However, the bank noted that further expansion depends on verifying at least one adult per household through a digital identity system.
Coker-Odusote emphasised the importance of accurate identity verification, explaining that rigorous checks are needed to prevent fraud and ensure proper targeting. “We don’t want to pay people who are no longer alive.
Identity verification provides a reliable way to confirm individuals and ensure accountability,” she said.
Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, also addressed the issue in an interview with Arise TV. He acknowledged the delays but stressed the importance of transparency.
“The biometric verification process is essential to avoid fraud,” Fasua said. “Although it slows things down, it ensures the funds go to the right people.
The World Bank is cautious in disbursements, and while that may create bottlenecks, it’s better to proceed carefully than risk mismanagement.”
Fasua called for patience, highlighting that protecting the integrity of the programme is critical when public funds are involved—especially for the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.