By Empress Blessing
FG to Expand Cash Transfer Programme Beyond 15 Million Households — Edun
By Olugbenga Ige | October 28, 2025
The Federal Government has announced plans to expand its direct cash transfer programme to reach more poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, disclosed this in Abuja during the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference and Book Launch. He said the initiative currently supports over 15 million households nationwide.
According to Edun, the programme aims to cushion the impact of ongoing economic reforms and ensure that Nigerians feel their positive effects.
> “There is an attempt to ensure that the pains of reform are immediately alleviated. That’s why we have a transparent, accountable, and robust system providing direct payments to 15 million households,” he said.
He explained that every beneficiary is digitally verified through their name, national identification number, and payment details—ensuring transparency and accountability.
Edun added that the government would further expand the initiative to include more beneficiaries at the grassroots level.
The minister also unveiled a new ward-based development initiative designed to channel resources directly to Nigeria’s 8,809 wards across 774 local government areas.
> “This will empower small businesses and cottage industries at the ward level by providing support and financing. It’s key to ensuring the benefits of current reforms reach the local level,” he stated.
In her remarks, Founder of the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership, Dr. Arunma Oteh, called for greater investment in infrastructure and human capital to drive sustainable growth.
She urged Nigeria to increase its infrastructure spending from the current 4–5 per cent of GDP to at least 12 per cent, noting that long-term development requires “patient capital” and continuous investment in people.