The Federal Government has declared that its empowerment cash transfer programme is completely free and warned Nigerians not to pay anyone for access, stressing that anyone caught selling slots will be investigated and prosecuted.
This strong warning was issued by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, during an implementation briefing on the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme (HoPE-CT) in Abuja. The minister made it clear that the government is taking a firm stance against fraudsters exploiting vulnerable citizens under the guise of offering access to the scheme.
Doro stated unequivocally that no form of payment is required at any stage of the programme, whether for registration, enrolment, or receiving benefits. He emphasised that any individual or group demanding money is engaging in criminal activity and will face the full weight of the law.
“Let me be unequivocal: this programme is completely free. No Nigerian should pay any money to be registered, enrolled, or benefit,” he said.
He further warned that the government is already collaborating with security agencies to identify and prosecute those involved in such illegal acts. According to him, the aim is to protect citizens and ensure that the programme reaches only legitimate beneficiaries without interference from scammers.
“Any individual demanding payment is engaging in criminal activity, and we are working closely with security agencies to investigate and prosecute such cases,” Doro added.
To strengthen transparency and accountability, the government has introduced a structured grievance redress system. This includes a toll-free helpline—969 on MTN—through which Nigerians can report suspected fraud, seek clarification, or lodge complaints regarding the programme.
“This ensures that beneficiaries can report concerns, seek clarification, and that every eligible Nigerian receives their rightful support,” he explained.
The minister also highlighted that the initiative goes beyond immediate financial support, describing it as part of a broader plan to build a coordinated national social protection system. According to him, systems like the National Social Register and the National Cash Transfer Office are being integrated to ensure efficient and transparent delivery of both cash and non-cash interventions.
While reiterating the programme’s integrity, Doro disclosed that eligible households have already received ₦75,000 over three months to support basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education. He noted that millions of Nigerians have benefited across different payment phases, reflecting the scale and reach of the intervention.
“This administration is committed to getting it right—not just getting it done. Every beneficiary is captured in the National Social Register, verified using NIN or BVN, and authenticated through digital systems,” he said.
Also speaking, the National Programme Manager of the National Cash Transfer Office, Abdullahi Alhassan Imam, revealed that the scheme is funded through an $800 million facility from the International Development Association of the World Bank. He noted that millions of households have already received at least one tranche of ₦25,000, with the number of beneficiaries now expanded from 10.4 million to 15 million.
The renewed warning underscores the government’s determination to eliminate exploitation and ensure that every kobo allocated to the programme reaches the intended Nigerians without diversion.
