FG Disburses Second Round of Payments to One Million Vulnerable Nigerians – Wale Edun

The Federal Government has announced the second phase of disbursements to nearly one million Nigerians under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) initiative. This programme, overseen by the Presidential Panel on Social Investment, is aimed at providing much-needed financial aid to some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.

During a high-level meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, highlighted this development. The meeting focused on reviewing key social welfare policies that form part of the Social Investment Programme (SIP), a national effort designed to alleviate poverty and support disadvantaged communities.

Edun, who presided over the meeting, reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring the DBT and other social investment schemes are effectively reaching those who need it most, especially during the current economic difficulties. He described the second round of payments as a significant step forward in the government’s mission to improve the well-being of its citizens.

“We remain committed to ensuring that every eligible beneficiary is correctly identified and that payments are made swiftly and securely through digital channels,” Edun affirmed.

In an effort to further streamline the distribution of funds, the government has directed the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) to collaborate with the National Identity Management Company (NIMC). This partnership will support the registration of beneficiaries into the National Identification Number (NIN) system, thereby creating a more reliable and verified database.

The inclusion of NIN data is expected to strengthen the programme’s credibility, reduce fraud, and prevent the duplication of payments. The government sees this as a key step in enhancing transparency and ensuring the DBT reaches the intended recipients.

Additionally, the meeting addressed proposed reforms to the School Feeding Programme, which aims to provide nutritious meals to children across the country. These reforms seek to improve the quality of meals provided and expand the programme’s reach, particularly to underserved communities. The initiative has been instrumental in combating child hunger, boosting school attendance, and improving overall child health.

As part of the government’s broader efforts to combat the economic crisis, officials also discussed the development of new safety net measures. These would provide financial relief to millions of struggling Nigerians, helping them navigate the current economic challenges.

These actions highlight the government’s ongoing efforts to provide essential support to its most vulnerable citizens, while also seeking to improve the efficiency and impact of its social welfare programmes.