Nigeria Disburses N330 Billion to 8.1 Million Households Under Social Safety Net Program
The Federal Government has disbursed N330 billion to 8.1 million households nationwide under the National Social Safety Net Programme (NSSNP), a flagship initiative aimed at cushioning the economic impact of reforms on Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed the development after a review meeting of the Special Presidential Panel on Social Investment in Abuja on Wednesday.
Edun highlighted that delays earlier this year, largely caused by challenges in National Identification Number (NIN) integration, have been resolved. “The programme is now firmly back on track,” he said, noting that the integration of biometric data ensures transparency, reduces leakages, and prevents political interference. Out of the 19.7 million households in the National Social Register, 8.1 million have received at least one tranche of the N25,000 stipend, with some beneficiaries already receiving multiple payments depending on verification outcomes.
The government has also expanded the programme from an initial target of 15 million households to nearly 20 million, underscoring its commitment to protecting low-income Nigerians from the effects of subsidy removals and currency reforms. The programme, partially funded by an $800 million World Bank loan, now leverages digital payment channels such as bank accounts and mobile wallets, creating a robust, sustainable, and politically neutral system for social protection.
According to Funmi Olotu, National Coordinator of the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office, about 10.2 million NINs have been collected during household visits, with 9.6 million validated. She emphasized that the programme is strictly merit-based: “The National Social Register is not a political register. Only validated beneficiaries are eligible for payments.” An executive order by President Bola Tinubu now ensures the NSR will serve as the sole database for all government social interventions, eliminating duplication and improving efficiency.
Regional data shows that the North-West received the largest share, with three million households accounting for 72% of disbursements, while female-headed households made up 61% of beneficiaries. With ongoing disbursements and a permanent framework in place, government officials maintain that the NSSNP will continue to act as a critical safety net, helping millions of Nigerians navigate the pressures of ongoing economic reforms and rising living costs.
source: punch