The Federal Government has confirmed that another round of conditional cash transfers will begin before the end of August 2025, targeting millions of households across the country. The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction during an interview with Channels Television.
According to the government, about 2.2 million households will benefit from this phase of the rapid conditional cash transfer scheme, which is part of wider efforts to provide relief to vulnerable families struggling with rising economic hardship. Officials explained that the program builds on earlier interventions and is designed to deliver direct financial support to the poorest households captured in the national social register.
So far, the initiative has consumed over N419 billion, with five million Nigerians already benefiting. Figures from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs show that 71 percent of the funds went to the northern part of the country, while 21 percent reached the southern states. Government officials attributed the regional imbalance to higher levels of poverty in the north, which accounts for most households in the social register.
The Minister stressed that the program is not new but an extension of ongoing efforts to reduce poverty. By putting money directly into the hands of families, the government aims to help them buy food, pay school fees, and cover urgent health needs without waiting for slower relief systems. Reports from earlier rounds showed that most households spent the money on food and small businesses, which authorities say is proof that the program is addressing real needs at the grassroots.
The National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) has been tasked with identifying and verifying eligible beneficiaries. Officials said that this process is being carefully monitored to prevent leakages and ensure transparency. Payments will be delivered through bank accounts and other approved digital platforms to reduce fraud and delays.
The government also hinted that this phase will adopt more technology-driven systems for tracking and monitoring distribution. According to officials, digitizing the process will make the scheme faster, more reliable, and more transparent compared to previous rounds.
With the new announcement, attention has now turned to the rollout timeline. The Minister reassured Nigerians that disbursements will begin before the end of August and urged beneficiaries to remain patient as verification continues.
For many households listed in the social register, the confirmation comes as a glimmer of hope amid soaring food prices and economic pressure. The government insists that the program is not merely a short-term fix but part of a long-term poverty reduction plan that strengthens Nigeria’s social safety system.
As the disbursement phase draws closer, the key question for millions of families is how quickly the funds will reach them. Authorities maintain that the structures are already in place, and households should expect payment notifications once the final list is harvested from the register.
