FG Enrolls 15 Million Households In Nationwide Cash Transfer Programme

According to Ireporter Online, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, made the disclosure during an appearance on Arise Television on Friday. He explained that although the broader National Social Register currently holds data on approximately 17.9 million vulnerable households—covering nearly 70 million individuals—not all those listed qualify for direct financial assistance.

The minister clarified that the Benefit Register, which presently contains about 15 million vulnerable households, is specifically designed as a shock-response mechanism to provide targeted financial relief. He emphasized that inclusion in the National Social Register does not automatically guarantee eligibility for cash transfers, noting that beneficiaries are selected based on clearly defined programme objectives and criteria.

Doro further explained that programme-specific targeting determines which individuals receive support, stressing the distinction between the National Social Register and the Benefit Register. He described the registration exercise as community-driven and rigorous, with local communities playing a central role in identifying the most impoverished members based on provided guidelines and assessment standards.

According to him, officials subsequently conduct home visits to validate information, assess living conditions, and verify personal data to ensure that assistance reaches the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians.

The minister reiterated that the government’s long-term objective is to achieve comprehensive national coverage in the social register to enhance poverty reduction planning and social protection delivery. He added that the administration remains committed to expanding the database while ensuring that targeted support reaches citizens most affected by economic hardship and vulnerability.