The Federal Government of Nigeria has scaled up its National Cash Transfer Programme to reach 15 million vulnerable citizens, with the Oyo State Government intensifying efforts to ensure indigent residents benefit from the initiative.
This was disclosed by the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun, during a stakeholder sensitization and awareness meeting on the National Social Safety Nets Programme – Scale-Up (NASSP-SU), held at DSC Hotel, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. (Mrs.) Mofoluwake Ibitoye, the Commissioner emphasized that social protection remains a vital strategy in tackling poverty and economic vulnerability. She noted that the Oyo State Cash Transfer Unit has made significant progress in reaching targeted households and lifting many out of extreme poverty.
The scaled-up programme, coordinated by the National Cash Transfer Office in Abuja, will now provide ₦25,000 in three tranches to each of the 15 million beneficiaries, including those listed in Oyo State’s segment of the National Social Register.
“The stakeholder meeting was convened to deepen understanding of the programme’s objectives, strengthen collaboration, promote effective community sensitization, and enhance the visibility and acceptance of this impactful initiative,” Balogun said.
She praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support of social welfare and lauded the dedication of cash transfer officers for their patriotism and integrity in executing the programme.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Intervention and Donor Funds, Mrs. Aderonke Adedayo—represented by Mrs. Temitope Fagbola—revealed that over 150,000 households in Oyo State have already benefited from the programme in the last six months. She stressed that funds were paid directly into verified accounts linked to beneficiaries’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) to ensure transparency.
“Though the amount may seem modest, it represents a meaningful investment in the well-being of our people and a clear statement of hope from the government,” she said.
Also speaking, the State Programme Manager for the Cash Transfer Unit, Mr. Akintunde Gbadamosi, explained that only individuals listed on the State Social Register and with valid NINs are eligible for support. He said the state is working to simplify the disbursement process by linking beneficiaries to debit cards and personal bank accounts that receive funds directly from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Representatives from the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) in their goodwill messages, described the programme as timely and impactful, especially in light of the ongoing economic challenges caused by fuel subsidy removal and currency volatility.
They pledged continued collaboration in public sensitization, security, and identity verification to ensure that the programme reaches its intended beneficiaries across Oyo State and Nigeria at large.