No fewer than 9.2 million Nigerians have benefited from the Federal Government’s Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer (HoPE-CT) Programme, with about N688 billion disbursed over the past two years. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, disclosed this during an implementation update and press briefing in Abuja on Monday. The programme is a key social protection intervention designed to cushion vulnerable households from the effects of recent economic reforms.
The cash transfer initiative, anchored on the National Social Register, provides eligible households with N75,000 distributed in three tranches. So far, over 9.1 million households have received the first tranche of N25,000, while more than 7.2 million and 6.4 million households have received the second and third tranches, respectively. Dr Doro emphasized that disbursement continues across all states, with every eligible household set to receive their full entitlement.
Women make up a majority of beneficiaries, with 5.39 million women receiving support, representing 58.7% of all recipients. “By empowering women through the HoPE Cash Transfer Programme, we are supporting mothers, caregivers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who form the backbone of family resilience across Nigeria,” Dr Doro said. He added that all beneficiaries are verified through their National Identification Number (NIN) or Bank Verification Number (BVN) to ensure transparency and accountability.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), in collaboration with other agencies, has strengthened the programme’s transparency through identity verification. NIMC Director-General Dr Abisoye Coker-Odusote reported that over 13.2 million individual records have been shared for verification, with nearly 11.8 million successfully confirmed. “Every failed record has been thoroughly analysed, and solutions are being implemented to ensure eligible Nigerians benefit fully,” she said.
Funded in part by an $800 million facility from the International Development Association of the World Bank, the HoPE-CT programme aims to stabilise vulnerable households, enhance financial inclusion, and strengthen resilience. Officials highlighted that the scheme demonstrates the government’s commitment to reaching grassroots communities, showing Nigerians that their government sees, hears, and actively works to improve their lives. The number of beneficiaries has also been increased from 10.4 million to 15 million to reach even more vulnerable citizens.
source: punch