Finance Minister Wale Edun Confirms 9.1 Million Homes Now Receiving Cash Transfers as 1 Million More Join the Queue

Nigeria’s massive social welfare experiment is finally hitting its stride. On Monday, February 23, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, revealed that the Federal Government has successfully bypassed traditional bureaucracy to put money directly into the pockets of 9.1 million of the country’s poorest households.

The update, shared during a high-level G-24 meeting in Abuja, marks a significant leap in the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. With a target of 15 million households, the government has now crossed the 60% completion mark. Edun confirmed that another one million vulnerable Nigerians have been cleared to receive their first ₦25,000 credit in the next few days.

“The days of carrying bags of cash to villages are over,” Edun told delegates. “By insisting on NIN-linked bank accounts and mobile wallets, we have built a transparent, accountable, and robust system. If someone says they haven’t received it, we can check the digital record instantly. We are building a modern safety net that ensures the help actually reaches those the reform hurts the most.”

The program, which pays ₦25,000 monthly for three months, has faced logistical hurdles in the past, particularly with the integration of biometric data. However, officials say the “State of Harmony” in the disbursement process has improved significantly since the start of 2026. The move is part of a strategic shift to replace “unproductive” subsidies with direct, measurable support for the grassroots.

While the 9.1 million milestone is being celebrated, the Finance Minister acknowledged that the work isn’t done. With millions still waiting to be captured in the National Social Register, the government is leaning on its new “Investment Budgeting” framework to ensure the 2026 fiscal year keeps the taps flowing for the remaining six million households on the list.