The Federal Government has now confirmed that 2.3 million households have been verified and cleared for payment under the ongoing cash transfer programme. But if you’re still waiting, you’re not alone — and there’s a good reason for that delay.
The revalidation of the National Social Register is still in progress. This step is part of the National Social Safety Nets Project, a major effort to ensure that only eligible families actually receive the money. The latest figure was shared by Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General of the National Identity Management Commission, during a press update in Abuja.
This isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about verifying identities — proving that those listed for support are real people, still alive, and actually in need. As of early May 2025, these checks have helped approve 2.3 million families, and payments will begin once this process is fully done.
Why Only 37 Percent Got Paid So Far
Back in 2023, after the government ended fuel subsidy and unified foreign exchange, a conditional cash transfer programme was introduced to help families deal with the economic pressure. It was supposed to reach 15 million families, but only 5.6 million — around 37 percent — have received at least one payment as of April 30, 2025.
The World Bank, which approved an $800 million loan for the programme, recently raised concern about the slow delivery. It said that the delay is tied to the time-consuming process of biometric verification — the step where at least one adult per household must be confirmed using foundational digital identity.
Out of the $800 million total, $530 million has already been disbursed, but much of it is still waiting to reach the intended people.
“We Can’t Pay People Who Don’t Exist”
Speaking on the delay, Coker-Odusote made the reason clear: “We don’t want to pay people who no longer exist in this world. That’s why we must confirm every identity first.”
She explained that identity checks are being carried out in real time, using tools that match people’s records to ensure accuracy. The government is working with multiple agencies to finish this task properly.
Presidency Says It’s Better to Be Slow and Sure
Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, also responded to public concern during an interview on Arise TV. He explained that the slow rollout is not a sign of failure — but of caution.
“The World Bank is very careful about how it releases money,” he said. “We already have records of people in need. But adding biometric checks takes time. Still, it’s better to be careful than to rush and make costly mistakes.”
He urged Nigerians to be patient, saying the system is being built to protect public funds and make sure only those who truly need help receive it.
When Will Payments Start?
Right now, the 2.3 million households that have passed verification are set to receive payments first. The government has not announced an exact date, but said that disbursement will begin soon after the revalidation exercise is completed.
Summary of Key Points
| Detail | Update as of May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Families Cleared for Payment | 2.3 million |
| Target Families | 15 million |
| Families Paid So Far | 5.6 million (37%) |
| Total Loan from World Bank | $800 million |
| Funds Disbursed by April 30, 2025 | $530 million |
| Reason for Delay | Biometric Identity Verification |
| Main Responsible Agency | National Identity Management (NIMC) |
| Payment Timeline | Begins once revalidation is done |
What You Should Do
If you’re waiting to receive cash support, make sure your household is on the National Social Register and that at least one adult in your family has completed biometric identity verification. This is the only way to be eligible for the payment.
It might feel slow, but the goal is clear: send the money to the right people, the right way, at the right time.