The Federal Government has disbursed N330 billion to poor and vulnerable Nigerians through its National Social Safety-net Coordinating Office, according to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Edun revealed that the payments were part of the administration’s efforts to cushion the impact of recent economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and currency floating.
He explained that the initiative is funded through an $800 million World Bank facility and targets 15 million householdsout of the 20 million households listed in the National Social Register, which covers approximately 75 million Nigerians.
“We are pleased to report that the social protection programme is back on track,” Edun said. “Of the targeted households, 8.5 million have already received at least one payment of N25,000. Some have received two or three tranches.”
Edun emphasized that the payment system is designed to be secure and transparent, using beneficiaries’ National Identity Numbers (NIN) and direct digital payments into bank accounts or mobile wallets.
“What we now have is a robust and sustainable system to support the poorest Nigerians,” he noted. “This forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision for long-term social protection.”
He assured that the remaining 7 million eligible householdswill receive their payments before the end of 2025.
“This programme is not a one-off. Going forward, it will be included in annual federal budgets, making it a permanent feature of Nigeria’s social support framework,” Edun said.
Funmi Olotu, National Coordinator of the National Social Safety-net Coordinating Office, provided further insight, explaining the staggered payments.
“Each payment is made through direct debit, as directed by Mr. President. He emphasized that traditional cash handouts must be replaced with transparent digital transfers linked to NINs,” Olotu explained.
She confirmed that while some beneficiaries have received one, others have received two or three payments, depending on verification and compliance with system requirements.
