FG validates N9.9bn cash transfers in Ondo, targets 396,671 households

The Federal Government has confirmed that Ondo State has so far received about N9.9 billion under its Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme, which targets vulnerable households across the country.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, disclosed this on Monday during a stakeholders’ engagement and beneficiary interaction held at St David’s Primary School, Ibule, in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

Doro said the disbursement covers the first, second, and ongoing tranches of the programme, with a total of 396,671 households in Ondo State captured across the payment phases.

He explained that the intervention, implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has so far reached over nine million households nationwide across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, each beneficiary household receives a total of N75,000, paid in three instalments, aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship among the poorest segments of society.

The minister said his visit to Ondo State was part of a nationwide validation and assessment tour designed to verify that funds are reaching intended beneficiaries and achieving the desired impact.

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He expressed concern over low public awareness of the programme, stressing the need for improved communication and transparency to ensure citizens fully understand and access federal social interventions.

Doro added that randomly selected beneficiaries would be engaged directly to confirm receipt of funds and provide feedback to guide future policy improvements.

The minister said, “We are here to listen to the people, verify the data, and ensure accountability. This exercise is not just about validation, but about improving the effectiveness of our social protection programmes.”

While commending the initiative, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described the initiative as a vital support system for vulnerable households in the state.

He called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state authorities to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of social intervention programmes.

Aiyedatiwa also revealed that the South-West region has benefited about N62 billion under the scheme, with Ondo accounting for a significant portion due to its large number of registered households.

The governor further noted challenges with National Identification Number (NIN) registration among some beneficiaries and directed relevant agencies to intensify efforts to ensure full enrolment into the social register for smoother payment processes.

He commended the minister’s field-based monitoring approach, saying direct engagement with beneficiaries would improve transparency, accountability, and the overall impact of government welfare programmes.