The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of ATM cards to beneficiaries of its flagship social welfare programme, with millions of vulnerable households expected to receive a one-time ₦75,000 cash transfer.
The initiative, coordinated by the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) in collaboration with the National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO), is part of the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Initiative.
It also integrates existing schemes, including the Rapid Response Register (RRR) and the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT).
Direct financial relief for households
Officials explained that the programme was designed to deliver targeted financial support to Nigerians worst hit by the rising cost of living.
Eligible beneficiaries are required to collect and activate specially issued ATM cards at designated centres nationwide before accessing their ₦75,000 payout.
To complete the process, recipients must present their registered phone number, National Identification Number (NIN), and Bank Verification Number (BVN).
The government said this requirement was crucial to ensure transparency, prevent fraud, and link beneficiaries to future social investment programmes.
In Gombe State, distribution began on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Jekadafari Darazawa Quarters, where large numbers of beneficiaries gathered to undergo documentation and card activation.
Officials urged Nigerians who had received notification messages to report promptly to collection centres in their states.
According to NCTO, the card distribution exercise is ongoing in multiple states simultaneously.
The special ATM cards will not only allow beneficiaries to withdraw their funds securely but will also serve as a monitoring tool to track future disbursements and prevent leakages within the system.
“All eligible beneficiaries are encouraged to participate. The ongoing distribution is being replicated nationwide, and only those who verify their records will access the ₦75,000 transfer,” an NCTO official explained.
Beneficiaries were further advised to ensure that their BVN and NIN records remain up-to-date, as this would guarantee uninterrupted access to future cash transfer programmes.
Linked to broader economic interventions
The ₦75,000 cash transfer scheme is one of several initiatives launched by the Bola Tinubu administration to cushion the impact of inflation, fuel price hikes, and food insecurity. Other measures include:
The ₦50,000 Presidential Grant Scheme to support nano-businesses.
The rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to reduce transport costs.
Youth Enterprise Support loans for startups and small businesses.
Nationwide food distribution palliatives through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Analysts say these interventions demonstrate the government’s increasing reliance on direct social investment tools to provide relief amid tough economic realities.
While the programme has been widely welcomed, civil society organisations have raised concerns about transparency and sustainability.
They have called for independent audits, digital monitoring systems, and strict oversight to ensure the cash reaches intended beneficiaries without diversion.
For millions of Nigerians battling high food inflation and soaring transport fares, however, the ₦75,000 lifeline offers immediate respite and reassurance that the government is attempting to respond directly to their economic hardships.