The Federal Government has announced that another seven million Nigerian households will be brought into its cash transfer programme before the end of this year. This is to expand the reach of a scheme designed to ease the economic strain on vulnerable citizens.

The initiative is part of the National Social Safety Nets programme. It has been ongoing for several years but has gained more urgency in recent times as many families struggle with the rising cost of living. Finance Minister Wale Edun explained that payments have already reached a large number of households, yet millions more are still in line to benefit. The goal, according to him, is to cover as many as 15 million households across the country.

So far, almost 20 million households are listed on the national social register, representing more than 70 million Nigerians. However, before new payments are made, beneficiaries must be verified to ensure they are eligible. This includes updating their records and linking them with a valid national identity such as the NIN. Once confirmed, households receive the money directly through digital channels like bank accounts or mobile wallets.

Officials say all outstanding payments will be made before the year runs out. For those still waiting, the advice is to confirm that their household details are correctly captured in the social register and that their identities have been validated.