The Federal Government has paid ₦658.9 billion to millions of poor households, but the World Bank says more needs to be done.
As of September 2026, about 10.46 million vulnerable households had reportedly received direct cash transfers.
However, the bank wants the government to make the support more regular and effective.
The World Bank said better payments could help struggling families cope with rising living costs. It also stressed that more Nigerians must benefit from the programme.
The recommendations appeared in its latest Nigeria Development Update, titled Beyond the
Federal Purse: How Higher Revenues Shaped State Priorities.
The report examined economic conditions and efforts to reduce financial pressure on Nigerians.
According to the report, the government used biometric checks and digital systems to identify eligible households.
These measures were designed to help ensure that payments reached the intended beneficiaries.
However, the World Bank warned that the programme’s success depends on how many households it covers, the amount paid, and how regularly payments arrive.
“Social protection and service delivery can help cushion households against these pressures, though their effectiveness will continue to depend on coverage, adequacy, and continuity,” the report stated.
The bank urged the government to expand the programme and increase the amount beneficiaries receive.
It also called for regular payments instead of irregular assistance.
Furthermore, the World Bank said federal and state governments must develop a lasting plan to fund social protection.
It warned that relying mainly on emergency support would not provide lasting relief.
“Building on this progress, the next step is to move from an emergency response toward a regular, sustainable social protection system, with dedicated budget lines at the federal and state levels, gradually increasing financing from government resources, and a shared overarching vision,” the report added.
The bank said predictable funding and joint action would help vulnerable Nigerians receive steady support.
This would reduce their dependence on temporary relief during difficult times.
The reported ₦658.9 billion cash transfer programme marks a major effort to support poor households.
However, the World Bank says long-term results will depend on wider coverage, better payments and reliable funding.
