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FG Begins N75,000 Cash Rollout, Reaches Over 9 Million Households Under HoPE-CT

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 30th, 2026.

The Federal Government has commenced large-scale cash disbursements to vulnerable Nigerians under its Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer (HoPE-CT) programme, with more than nine million households already receiving initial payments.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Bernard Doro), disclosed this in Abuja during a programme briefing, noting that 9.1 million households have so far received the first tranche of N25,000 out of the N75,000 total support package. The development, also highlighted in reports tracked by Nairametrics, marks a major step in the government’s social protection drive.

Providing an update on the rollout, the minister said disbursement is progressing steadily across the country. According to him, over 7.2 million households have received the second tranche, while more than 6.4 million beneficiaries have already been paid the third instalment, with efforts ongoing to complete coverage nationwide.

He described the figures as more than just data, emphasising their real-life impact on millions of struggling families.

The HoPE-CT initiative, implemented under the National Social Safety Nets Project – Scale Up (NASSP-SU), is a central component of the administration’s broader economic recovery and poverty reduction strategy. As noted in policy discussions on Channels Television, the programme is designed to shift from temporary relief measures to a more structured and sustainable social support system.

Each beneficiary household is entitled to N75,000, paid in phases, to help cushion the effects of economic hardship while supporting essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education. Officials say the scheme is also intended to stimulate small-scale economic activity at the grassroots.

To enhance credibility, the government has integrated strict verification processes, requiring beneficiaries to be listed in the National Social Register and validated through either the National Identification Number (NIN) or Bank Verification Number (BVN). Authorities have also issued warnings against fraud, stressing that access to the programme is completely free.

A notable feature of the intervention is its gender inclusion strategy. Government data shows that women account for nearly 60 per cent of beneficiaries, a move aimed at strengthening household welfare and promoting financial inclusion.

Beyond immediate assistance, the initiative is linked to a broader reform framework known as the One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS). The system is designed to harmonise national data platforms and track beneficiaries’ progress toward economic self-sufficiency.

Officials say the long-term objective is not just to provide relief but to create a pathway out of poverty for millions of Nigerians.

The programme, backed by an $800 million World Bank facility, has also undergone expansion. Initially targeting just over 10 million households, it now aims to reach up to 15 million across the country.

Data validation has played a critical role in the rollout. According to the National Identity Management Commission, millions of records have been screened to eliminate duplication and ensure that support reaches only eligible recipients—an approach analysts say strengthens transparency and public trust.

Government spokespersons have described the initiative as one of the most far-reaching social interventions in recent years, urging continued public awareness to counter misinformation and highlight its impact at the community level.

With disbursements ongoing, authorities maintain that the HoPE-CT programme will remain a key pillar in Nigeria’s efforts to tackle poverty, expand financial access, and build economic resilience among vulnerable populations.