How AI Is Helping Nigeria Target Cash Transfers to the Most Vulnerable

Federal Government Uses AI to Identify Vulnerable Nigerians for Cash Transfers

The Federal Government has started leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to pinpoint the most vulnerable Nigerians for its Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme. This initiative aims to expand support to those in need by using advanced technology to improve accuracy and reach. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, shared these insights during an interview on Arise News.

How AI is Enhancing Identification

The government partnered with telecommunications companies to apply AI in identifying poor individuals across both rural and urban settings. This process led to the inclusion of 6.5 million urban poor Nigerians into the national social register, increasing the total number of registered beneficiaries to 19.7 million.

"AI was used to generate a list of people who are poor in that community using identified telephone numbers," the minister explained.

Improving Payment Systems

Disbursements are now made directly into verified bank accounts, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to eliminate cash payments. This move aims to enhance transparency and reduce risks associated with cash handling.

"The President said that we can’t pay people using cash again. So there’s no cash payment, no movement of money even with the conditional cash," Yilwatda emphasized.

Verification and Data Accuracy

The government engaged the World Bank and independent verifiers, including civil society organisations, to ensure the social register’s data accuracy. About 94% of beneficiaries were verified through direct physical contact, while 6% remain unverified due to inactive phone numbers or other challenges.

• AI-driven identification helps target aid effectively.
• Payments are now strictly digital to prevent fraud.
• Verification involves multi-stakeholder collaboration.

This approach demonstrates how technology can improve social welfare programmes by ensuring aid reaches the right individuals securely and efficiently.

For government officials interested in AI applications within social programmes or public sector innovations, exploring relevant training and certification can be valuable. Resources like AI certifications for automation provide practical knowledge for implementing similar initiatives.