The Federal Government has verified 2.3 million households for its conditional cash transfer programme, following a revalidation of the National Social Register.
The exercise, led by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), is targeted at ensuring only eligible Nigerians receive economic support.
“We’re making sure the money goes to the right people,” said NIMC Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote. “We don’t want to pay people who no longer exist.”
The revalidation follows concerns from the World Bank over delays in the programme’s rollout, despite $530 million already disbursed from an $800 million loan. The bank emphasised the need for biometric verification to expand coverage.
Presidential adviser Tope Fasua defended the slow pace, saying, “It’s better to be careful than sorry.”
Payments are expected to resume once verification is completed.
