The Federal Government has expanded its National Cash Transfer Programme to cover 15 million vulnerable Nigerians, with the Oyo State Government stepping up efforts to ensure poor residents benefit from it.
Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Toyin Balogun, announced this during a stakeholder sensitisation meeting on the National Social Safety Nets Programme – Scale-Up, held at DSC Hotel, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, on Thursday.
Balogun, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Mofoluwake Ibitoye, said social protection remains key to reducing poverty and economic hardship.
She noted that the state’s Cash Transfer Unit had made progress in reaching target households and improving lives.
“The stakeholder meeting was convened to deepen understanding of the programme’s objectives, strengthen collaboration, promote effective community sensitisation, and enhance the visibility and acceptance of this impactful initiative.
“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 the state’s segment of the National Social Register,” she said.
Balogun praised Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting social welfare and commended cash transfer officers for their dedication and integrity.
Special Adviser to the Governor on General Intervention and Donor Funds, Aderonke Adedayo, represented by Temitope Fagbola, said over 150,000 households in Oyo State had benefited in the past six months.
“The funds were paid directly into verified accounts linked to beneficiaries’ National Identification Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers 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.
State Programme Manager, Akintunde Gbadamosi, explained that only individuals listed on the state’s Social Register and with valid NINs are eligible. He added that the state is working to make payments easier by linking beneficiaries to debit cards and personal bank accounts that receive funds directly from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Representatives of the National Orientation Agency, National Identity Management Commission, and Department of State Services described the scheme as timely, especially with the economic strain from fuel subsidy removal and currency fluctuations.
They pledged to keep supporting public sensitisation, security, and identity verification to ensure the funds reach the right people.
