Background This paper provides insights into design and implementation of a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) pilot programme under the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme on Maternal and Child Health (SURE-P MCH) in Nigeria. The CCT day to day operations were independently assessed, from design to enrollment and pay out, in order to inform future CCT designs and implementation. Methods This study combined a desk review of SURE-P MCH CCT operational documents and retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional survey of 314 primary beneficiaries of the CCT scheme from 29 SURE-P MCH CCT designated health facilities between June – July 2015. The programme implementation manual (PIM) and several CCT monthly reports and articles obtained from the project implementation unit (PIU) were reviewed while structured questionnaire of (16) questions was used for face-to-face interviews with (30–33) CCT beneficiaries drawn from each of eight (8) participating states of Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, and Zamfara and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)-Abuja. Findings were analyzed and reported using R* statistical package (version 3.1.2). Subsequently a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted to identify key challenges and possible recommendations. Results The SWOT analysis indicated a robust design for the CCT programme, which would have enhanced operational effectiveness if implemented as designed. However, the programme faced several implementation challenges. For instance, though 65% of beneficiaries perceived CCT pay-out events to be orderly and well-organized, in some of the pilot states the events were marred with inconsistencies resulting in large crowds and increased waiting time for some beneficiaries. Similarly, only 40% of beneficiaries received the complete N5,000 (USD30) cash incentive, 28% received N1,000 (USD6) while others received either N2000 (USD12), N3000 (USD18) or N4000 (USD24). Conclusion The CCT pilot had a robust design as a result of a successful proof of concept which preceded the pilot roll-out. However, its implementation was marred with several challenges ranging from untimely release of funds, limited monitoring and evaluation and other operational challenges. Future CCT programmes should understudy the SWOT analysis presented in this paper to improve the design and implementation of CCT programmes in Nigeria and other settings.

Summary Background Our paper presents experiences and perceptions of beneficiaries, health service providers, and community members about a conditional cash transfer (CCT) programme piloted in Nigeria from April 2013 to May 2015 to boost demand for maternal, newborn, and child health services. Methods We conducted a descriptive cross‐sectional retrospective study using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Personal interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted between June and July 2015 for 314 CCT beneficiaries, 72 ward development committee (WDC) members, and 60 service providers (midwives, community health extension workers [CHEWs], and village health workers [VHWs]) including 29 officers‐in‐charge as key informants. Content analysis was applied to qualitative findings and grouped into themes of attitude, practices, CCT operations, payout, and perceived impact. Results Over 97% of beneficiaries affirmed that the cash incentive was very helpful and almost 70% opined that the free supply‐side services were the real benefit. Majority of service providers applauded the programme though, with complaints about the increased workload. Community members applauded the scheme, with mixed feelings over some operational processes. Conclusion Beneficiaries, service providers, and community members expressed deep satisfaction with the CCT programme and opined that antenatal care (ANC) and skilled birth delivery service utilization increased. Insights into some programmatic challenges are provided to enrich future CCT design and implementation.