Delivering Direct, Shock-Responsive Cash Transfers to Nigeria’s Poorest.
Under the National Social Safety Net Program - Scale Up (NASSP-SU), NCTO provides predictable monthly cash support of ₦25,000 to alleviate poverty, enhance household nutrition, and buffer economic inflation across all 774 LGAs.
Over 5.9 Million previously unbanked households now equipped with digital wallets and cards.
NASSP Scale-Up Components
NCTO implements three structured components combining immediate shock relief, sustained livelihood training, and digital payment infrastructure.
Component 1: Economic Shock Responsive Cash Transfer (ESR-CT)
Immediate Emergency Cushioning Against Food Inflation
Time-limited emergency cash transfers provided to vulnerable households severely affected by macro-economic shocks, inflation, and subsidy removals. Represents Nigeria's largest digital shock-responsive cash delivery scheme.
- Targeted at 15 million vulnerable Nigerians nationwide
- ₦25,000 monthly disbursements structured across consecutive tranches
- Direct digital deposits into verified accounts to eliminate intermediary loss
Component 2: Extended Regular Cash Transfer (ER-CT)
12-Month Livelihood Support & Human Capital Building
A 12-month predictable cash transfer continuation designed for existing NASSP beneficiaries. Coupled with livelihood training, savings group formation, nutrition sensitization, and financial literacy coaching.
- 12-month predictable social assistance safety net
- Co-responsibilities linked to maternal healthcare and school attendance
- Seed capital accumulation for grassroots micro-enterprises
Component 3: Delivery System Strengthening
Digital Identity, Fintech Interoperability & Fraud Defense
Building an enterprise-grade digital infrastructure connecting the National Social Register, commercial banks, payment service banks (PSBs), and mobile money operators with biometric validation.
- Instant zero-balance Tier-1 bank account opening for unbanked citizens
- NIBSS automated payment reconciliation and error flagging
- Field biometrics verification via Cash Transfer Facilitators (CTFs)
Abdullahi Alhassan Imam
National Programme Manager, NCTO
“Our digital disbursement model ensures zero leakages and prompt delivery directly to verified caregivers. With over 8,000 facilitators stationed in all 774 Local Government Areas, we ensure that no vulnerable Nigerian is left behind in times of economic transition.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear information regarding cash transfer amounts, tranches, and digital banking access.
Transparent, Biometrically-Verified Social Transfers
All NCTO recipients are verified through the National Social Register (NSR) and disbursed through authorized commercial banking partners.