Six Million Nigerians Get FG’s Cash Transfer in 6-Month – Minister
By LEVI JOHNSON
Federal Government Expands Conditional Cash Transfer to Six Million Nigerians
Six million Nigerians have benefited from the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme that was initiated by the Federal Government within just six months, stated Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
Yilwatda made this revelation while addressing participants of the ongoing Skills-to-Wealth (S2W) training programme in Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday.
The announcement marks a dramatic improvement in the scope and efficiency of the CCT scheme, which had only reached two million Nigerians over a span of nine years under previous administrations.
Digitisation Overhauls Conditional Cash Transfer Delivery
Explaining the rapid increase in the number of beneficiaries, Yilwatda said the ministry had adopted a digitised approach to welfare distribution, making the process more transparent and effective.
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“Previously, only two million people benefited from the conditional cash transfer scheme—about 200,000 annually,” he stated. “Now, in just six months, we have supported six million people, averaging one million per month.”
According to the minister, this was made possible through a comprehensive digital overhaul that included:
- Digitising all households on the national social register
- Creating digital identities and e-wallets for beneficiaries
- Conducting physical verification to ensure authenticity
- Eliminating unverifiable entries from the system
FG Targets 15 Million Beneficiaries by October 2025
Looking ahead, the Federal Government is aiming to reach 15 million Nigerians with direct cash support by October 2025, Yilwatda disclosed.
“The President is committed to supporting 15 million households before October. He has directed that all funds be disbursed within nine months,” he said.
This directive is part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader strategy to curb extreme poverty and stimulate grassroots economic growth, especially among vulnerable households.
World Bank Verifies FG’s Conditional Cash Transfer Beneficiaries
In an effort to maintain transparency and credibility, the ministry sought the assistance of the World Bank to independently verify the disbursement process.
Yilwatda explained, “After we paid the first four million beneficiaries, I requested the World Bank to deploy an independent verification team to assess our delivery.”
The team reportedly visited recipients in person, confirming that 96% of beneficiaries were correctly identified and located.
“The remaining four per cent could not be verified because they had either migrated due to insecurity or lived in extremely remote locations,” the minister added.
This third-party validation, Yilwatda stressed, reinforces the integrity and accountability of the current cash transfer initiative.
Skills-to-Wealth Programme Targets Youth Empowerment
Aside from cash transfers, the Federal Government is also investing in sustainable poverty alleviation through skills acquisition. The minister outlined the objectives of the Skills-to-Wealth (S2W) programme, which aims to equip young Nigerians with practical skills across three key sectors:
- Agriculture
- Renewable Energy
- Automobile Technology
According to Yilwatda, the S2W initiative is designed to create a self-sustaining workforce that can contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification.
“The S2W programme is not just about learning a trade—it’s about transforming lives, building wealth, and driving national development from the grassroots,” he emphasized.
FG’s Cash Transfer: A Model for Inclusive Development
The rapid expansion of the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme highlights a shift towards technology-driven, inclusive governance. The integration of digitisation, third-party audits, and targeted skill acquisition underlines the Federal Government’s intention to break the cycle of poverty rather than merely managing it.
Experts have praised the move as a model for large-scale social protection, especially in low- and middle-income countries facing similar economic and infrastructural challenges.
With the administration setting its sights on reaching 15 million Nigerians in less than a year, the Conditional Cash Transfer programme could become one of the most ambitious and effective poverty eradication tools in the nation’s history.
Conclusion
The Federal Government’s digitised Conditional Cash Transfer scheme has not only increased outreach and efficiency, but it has also redefined how social welfare is administered in Nigeria. By combining financial aid with skills development and international oversight, the programme is poised to make a lasting impact on poverty and youth unemployment.
