The Federal Government has recommenced the monthly payment of N5,000 stipends to 12,337 impoverished and vulnerable households through digital channels.
Mrs. Tosin Olupona, the Head of Unit at the Ondo State Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Office, revealed this information during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure on Monday.
The CCT program is part of the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP). The backlog of payments has been deposited into newly issued debit card accounts for each beneficiary.
These accounts can be accessed through payment agents located within their communities. The families receiving support come from 15 out of the 18 local government areas in the state.
Olopona acknowledged that the delay in payment was due to operational challenges. The backlog payments ranged from six to 20 months, depending on when the beneficiary joined the program.
She expressed satisfaction that the beneficiaries were now able to receive their funds, highlighting the transition from cash payments to digitalized methods.
The debit cards being distributed to the beneficiaries are visible in the accompanying image. This approach ensures more secure and efficient transactions while eliminating the need to carry cash.
Upon reaching their respective communities, the beneficiaries will be able to access their funds through the designated payment agents.
She clarified that the delay was not their fault but rather an operational issue that affected four states. However, the problem has now been resolved, allowing them to initiate the payment process.
Olupona expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and Mrs. Olubunmi Ademosun, the state’s focal person for the intervention program, for their efforts in restoring the payments.
NAN also spoke with some beneficiaries who expressed appreciation for the resumption of payments. Mrs. Jumoke Kolawole from Akure North Local Government thanked the Federal Government for reinstating the program.
Another beneficiary, Adiatu Akadiri, also from Akure North Local Government, deemed the gesture timely and urged the Federal Government to continue the program to alleviate the plight of the poor and vulnerable in society.