Federal Government Disburses ₦688 Billion in Cash Transfers to 9.2 Million Households Over Two-Year Period
The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully disbursed a total of ₦688 billion to 9.2 million households through the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer (HOPE-CT) Programme over the past two years. This significant social protection initiative represents a major component of the government's strategy to cushion the economic impact of ongoing reforms on vulnerable citizens across the nation.
Programme Implementation and Beneficiary Details
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, revealed these figures during an implementation update and press conference held in Abuja. According to official data, 9,178,837 households have received at least the first tranche of payments under the programme, which operates from November 2023 through February 2026 and continues with final payments being processed nationwide.
The programme provides each eligible household with ₦75,000 distributed across three separate tranches of ₦25,000 each. This phased disbursement approach allows families to address immediate needs including food security, healthcare expenses, and educational costs more effectively. Minister Doro confirmed that over 7.2 million beneficiaries have received the second tranche, while nearly 6.5 million households have obtained the third and final payment.
Women Represent Majority of Beneficiaries
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the programme is the substantial representation of women among recipients. Of the 9.17 million households reached thus far, approximately 5.39 million recipients, representing 58.7 percent, are women. Government officials emphasized that prioritizing women strengthens household resilience, as they frequently serve as primary caregivers and economic stabilizers within family units.
Enhanced Transparency Through Identity Verification
The programme implementation involves collaboration with multiple key agencies including the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office, and the National Cash Transfer Office. NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote highlighted that identity verification has played a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the disbursement process.
According to verification data, over 13.2 million records were submitted for validation, with approximately 11.8 million successfully authenticated. Roughly 1.4 million records failed initial verification due to data inconsistencies, though these cases are currently undergoing review and correction procedures. Officials stressed that proper identity management serves as a gateway to accessing social protection programmes and government services more broadly.
World Bank Funding and Expanded Targets
The HOPE-CT initiative receives substantial support through an $800 million facility from the International Development Association of the World Bank. Programme Manager of the National Cash Transfer Office, Abdullahi Alhassan, announced that the target number of beneficiaries has been increased from the original 10.4 million to 15 million vulnerable Nigerians, reflecting the scale of economic challenges facing households across the country.
Government Commitment to Economic Support
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who represented the government at the announcement event, stated that the initiative demonstrates the administration's commitment to supporting citizens at the grassroots level. Similarly, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Tanko Sununu, noted that integrating digital payments with the National Social Register has improved targeting accuracy, transparency measures, and financial inclusion outcomes.
As disbursements continue through the programme, government officials emphasize that this intervention remains a critical lifeline for millions of Nigerians navigating economic hardship. The programme forms part of broader efforts to address poverty through coordinated social intervention strategies, including the recently launched One Humanitarian, One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS) which aims to lift 50 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030 with a financing plan of ₦16 trillion for the 2026-2030 period.
