The Federal Government has confirmed the revalidation of 2.3 million households for payment under its conditional cash transfer programme, part of broader efforts to ease the economic strain on vulnerable Nigerians following recent policy reforms.
Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, made this known during a press briefing in Abuja, where she emphasized that the revalidation exercise is being carried out under the National Social Safety Nets project to ensure only eligible citizens benefit from the scheme.
Launched in 2023 after the removal of petrol subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange market, the cash transfer initiative aims to support 15 million low-income households. However, a recent World Bank report revealed that only 5.6 million households—about 37% of the target—have received any payment.
The World Bank, which approved an $800 million loan for the programme, had disbursed $530 million as of April 30, 2025. In its latest Nigeria Development Update report titled “Building Momentum for Inclusive Growth,” the Bank urged Nigeria to expedite identity verification and expand support to its most vulnerable citizens.
Coker-Odusote, who is part of the inter-agency task force overseeing the biometric verification process, said the rigorous exercise was crucial to maintaining accuracy and transparency. “We don’t want to pay people who no longer exist. There must be a verifiable identity attached to each recipient,” she stated.
She stressed that digital identity plays a central role in preventing fraud and ensuring that only truly indigent Nigerians receive the assistance.
Commenting on the issue, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, acknowledged the slow rollout but defended the process as necessary for maintaining integrity. Speaking on Arise TV, Fasua said the biometric confirmation required by the World Bank, though thorough, has contributed to delays.
“The process may seem slow, but it’s deliberate. When dealing with public funds for the poor, caution is essential. The verification process is not just about disbursing money but ensuring it gets to the right people,” Fasua said.
He added that future disbursements would benefit from improved coordination and technology, promising a more efficient system moving forward.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to completing the revalidation and ensuring that cash transfers reach all verified households in need.
