FG: We’ve Disbursed ₦419bn To Nearly 6m Nigerians, Will Pay ₦54bn To 2.2m Beneficiaries in August

The Federal Government says it has so far disbursed ₦419 billion in conditional cash transfers to nearly six million Nigerians and will pay an additional ₦54 billion to 2.19 million more beneficiaries before the end of August.

Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, disclosed this on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday.

“In August, we are going to reach out to 2,190,000 people. The National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) will identify the beneficiaries through the national social register,” he explained.

According to Sununu, the initiative targets vulnerable citizens who receive direct cash support. He noted that payments so far have been split 71% to the North and 29% to the South.

The minister stressed that this month’s disbursement would be more transparent than in the past.

“We are shifting from anonymous transfers. It will be done publicly. We will invite the press, provide data, and even show the number of beneficiaries for each state. Anyone can confirm, even with the World Bank,” he said.

Beneficiaries will each receive ₦75,000, spread across three tranches of ₦25,000.

The cash transfer programme has long faced criticism over accountability, with past reports of ghost beneficiaries and diverted funds. However, Sununu assured that the Tinubu administration is committed to openness and verifiable payments going forward.