Over 9.2 Million Nigerians Benefit from Federal Government’s HoPE Cash Transfer Programme
No fewer than 9.2 million Nigerians have received support under the Federal Government’s Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer (HoPE-CT) Programme, with about N688 billion disbursed over the past two years.
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The disclosure was made on Monday by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, during a HOPE-CT implementation update and press conference in Abuja.
The programme, anchored on the National Social Register, is a key social protection intervention designed to cushion vulnerable households from the effects of ongoing economic reforms. It is implemented in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), the National Cash Transfer Office, and the National Social Investment Programme Agency.
According to Doro, each eligible household receives N75,000 in three tranches, helping families meet essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education.
“Under this intervention, eligible households receive N75,000 distributed over three tranches,” he said. “As of today, 9,178,837 households across Nigeria have received at least the first tranche of N25,000. The second and third tranches are progressing steadily, with 7,203,579 beneficiaries receiving the second tranche and 6,497,089 receiving the third. Disbursement continues across all states, and every eligible household will receive their full entitlement.”
The minister noted that the programme, which began in November 2023, is scheduled to run through February 2026. All beneficiaries must be registered in the National Social Register and verified using either a National Identification Number (NIN) or Bank Verification Number (BVN) to ensure transparency.
Of the 9.17 million households reached so far, 5,391,225 are women, representing 58.7 percent of beneficiaries, while men account for 41.3 percent. “By empowering women through the HoPE-CT Programme, we are supporting mothers, caregivers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who form the backbone of family resilience across Nigeria,” Doro said.
Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General of NIMC, highlighted that identity verification has strengthened transparency and accountability in the programme. She noted that out of 13.2 million records shared for verification, 11.8 million were successfully verified, while 1.4 million did not pass verification. “Every failed record has been thoroughly analysed, and solutions have been provided,” she added.
The Ministry of Information, represented by Dr. Suleiman Haruna, commended the programme for providing relief to millions of Nigerians. “The HoPE-CT programme shows that the government sees, hears, and is actively working to improve the lives of citizens, especially those at the grassroots,” he said.
Dr. Yusuf Sununu, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, emphasised that the programme stabilises vulnerable households, strengthens resilience, and enhances financial inclusion through digital payments and integration with the National Social Register.
Abdullahi Alhassan, Programme Manager of the National Cash Transfer Office, revealed that the initiative is funded through an $800 million facility from the International Development Association of the World Bank. He also noted that the number of beneficiaries has been revised upward from 10.4 million to 15 million vulnerable Nigerians.
The HoPE-CT programme remains a cornerstone of the Federal Government’s social protection strategy, delivering direct support to millions of low-income households nationwide.
Over 9.2 Million Nigerians Benefit from Federal Government’s HoPE Cash Transfer Programme