Policy Implementation and the Performance of the National Cash Transfer programme in Nigeria

Evidence from Kuje Area Council, Abuja (2015-2023)

Abstract

The implementation of social intervention programmes in Nigeria has remained a major concern because persistent poverty and household vulnerability continue despite substantial government investment in social protection initiatives. This study assessed the implementation and effectiveness of the National Cash Transfer Programme (NCTP) in Kuje Area Council, Abuja, from 2015 to 2023, with particular attention to beneficiary targeting, institutional capacity, programme coverage, payment systems, inter-agency coordination and programme sustainability. The study was guided by Policy Implementation Theory, which assumes that the adoption of a policy does not automatically guarantee successful outcomes, as implementation effectiveness depends on adequate resources, institutional capacity, coordination, clear objectives and favourable administrative conditions. A qualitative case study design was adopted, using primary and secondary data. A sample of 331 respondents was selected purposively from NCTP beneficiaries, government officials, community leaders, and civil society and development organizations. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews, while secondary data were obtained from government documents, programme records, budget documents, evaluation reports and relevant scholarly literature. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Findings revealed that weaknesses in beneficiary identification, institutional capacity and programme coverage created implementation gaps, while payment systems, inter-agency coordination and programme sustainability significantly influenced programme effectiveness and beneficiary welfare. The study recommends strengthening targeting and institutional capacity, improving programme coverage, ensuring timely payments, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and providing stable and sustainable funding for effective NCTP implementation.