Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has disclosed that approximately nine million of the country’s poorest households have benefited from direct cash transfers under a reform programme supported by the World Bank.
Edun stated that the intervention forms part of the Federal Government’s broader economic reform and social protection agenda aimed at cushioning the impact of ongoing fiscal adjustments on vulnerable citizens.
The cash transfer initiative, designed to provide targeted financial relief, is a key component of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen social safety nets amid reforms in the energy and subsidy sectors. According to the minister, the programme prioritises low-income and economically disadvantaged households identified through established social registers and verification mechanisms.
The reform package, backed by the World Bank, seeks to balance macroeconomic stabilisation with inclusive growth by ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind during structural adjustments.
Economic analysts note that the scale of the disbursement — reaching nine million households — represents one of the largest direct social intervention efforts in recent years. However, stakeholders continue to emphasise the need for transparency, effective monitoring, and sustained implementation to guarantee long-term impact.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to expanding social protection coverage while advancing reforms aimed at restoring fiscal sustainability and driving economic resilience.
