FG Declares Cash Transfer Programme Free, Warns Against Paying for Slots
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated that its empowerment cash transfer initiative is entirely free, cautioning citizens against making payments to anyone claiming to offer access to the scheme. Authorities emphasized that any individual or group caught selling slots will face investigation and possible prosecution. FG Unveils Digital Payments Report to Help MSMEs Get $3.5 Trillion AfCFTA Market
This directive was issued by Bernard Doro, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, during a briefing on the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme (HoPE-CT) in Abuja. He stressed that the government is intensifying efforts to protect vulnerable Nigerians from fraudsters exploiting the programme.
According to the minister, beneficiaries are not required to pay any fees at any stage whether for registration, enrolment, or disbursement. He made it clear that any demand for money is illegal and punishable under the law.
Doro further revealed that the government is collaborating with security agencies to track down individuals involved in such fraudulent practices. The objective, he said, is to ensure that only verified and eligible Nigerians benefit from the intervention without interference from scammers.
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To enhance transparency and accountability, authorities have introduced a grievance redress mechanism. This includes a toll-free helpline (969 on MTN), allowing Nigerians to report suspicious activities, seek information, or file complaints regarding the programme.
The minister explained that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection system. Platforms such as the National Social Register and the National Cash Transfer Office are being integrated to ensure efficient delivery of both financial and non-financial support.
Providing updates on disbursement, Doro disclosed that qualified households have already received up to ₦75,000 over three months to support essential needs like food, healthcare, and education. He added that millions of Nigerians have benefited across multiple phases of the programme.
He also highlighted that all beneficiaries are carefully verified using systems like the National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN), ensuring accuracy, transparency, and accountability in the process.
In his remarks, Abdullahi Alhassan Imam, National Programme Manager of the National Cash Transfer Office, stated that the initiative is funded through an $800 million facility provided by the International Development Association of the World Bank.
He noted that millions of households have already received at least one payment tranche of ₦25,000, with the total number of beneficiaries expanding from 10.4 million to 15 million nationwide.
The renewed warning highlights the government’s commitment to eliminating fraud, ensuring transparency, and guaranteeing that funds allocated for social welfare reach the intended beneficiaries without diversion.
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