The Nigerian government has announced that it has concluded plans to restart the direct cash transfer to the poorest and most vulnerable citizens, saying it is targeting an additional 12 million households.
The government said this is coming amid the rising prices of goods and the continuous fall of the naira.
According to the statement issued by the Federal Government, approximately 3 million Nigerians currently benefit from these programs.
President Bola Tinubu-led administration has, however, projected that an additional 12 million households will benefit due to the sharp rise in the cost of living, totalling about 15 million households.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, announced the plan during a retreat of the ministry in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday.
Edun said that a presidential panel will recommend the restart of direct cash payments, with plans to meet President Tinubu for approval.
“The expansion aims to reach a wider population struggling with the economic situation and to provide more money directly to those in need, allowing them to prioritize their needs and alleviate poverty,” Edun said.
The Nigerian government plans to make use of technology to ensure smooth and transparent payments, thereby avoiding manual processes and delays.
“The decision to inform the president before the final report is completed is to keep him updated on developments,” the statement read.
