The federal government has scaled up its National Cash Transfer Programme to reach 15 million vulnerable citizens, as the Oyo State government intensifies efforts to ensure that indigent residents benefit from the initiative.
This was disclosed by the Oyo State commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, during a stakeholders’ sensitisation and awareness meeting on the National Social Safety Nets Programme – Scale-Up (NASSP-SU), held at GRA, Ibadan.
Represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mrs Mofoluwake Ibitoye, the commissioner emphasised that social protection remains a vital strategy in tackling poverty and economic vulnerability.
She noted that the Oyo State Cash Transfer Unit had made significant progress in reaching targeted households and lifting many out of extreme poverty.
The scaled-up programme, coordinated by the National Cash Transfer Office in Abuja, will now provide ₦25,000 in three tranches to each of the 15 million beneficiaries, including those listed in Oyo State’s segment of the National Social Register.
“The stakeholder meeting was convened to deepen understanding of the programme’s objectives, strengthen collaboration, promote effective community sensitisation and enhance the visibility and acceptance of this impactful initiative,” Balogun said.
She praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support of social welfare and lauded the dedication of cash transfer officers for their patriotism and integrity in executing the programme.
Special adviser to the governor on General Intervention and Donor Funds, Mrs Aderonke Adedayo, represented by Mrs Temitope Fagbola, revealed that over 150,000 households in Oyo State have already benefited from the programme in the last six months.
She stressed that funds were paid directly into verified accounts linked to beneficiaries’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) to ensure transparency.
“Though the amount may seem modest, it represents a meaningful investment in the well-being of our people and a clear statement of hope from the government,” she said.
