The Federal Government has commenced a monthly cash relief programme offering 50,000 naira to eligible vulnerable households to cushion the impact of rising living costs across the country.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, announced the development in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
According to the minister, the intervention, known as the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention, NERSI, is a presidential initiative designed to provide immediate financial assistance to millions of vulnerable Nigerians.
Doro explained that the programme was introduced in response to global food inflation and the increasing cost of essential commodities, which have continued to put pressure on household incomes.
Under the initiative, eligible beneficiaries will receive 50,000 naira monthly to support their basic needs and ease the financial burden on their families.
The minister said the intervention would be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living, adding that beneficiaries would be notified directly before any adjustments were introduced.
He disclosed that the ministry was working with licensed digital financial service providers to ensure secure, transparent and timely payment of the funds.
According to him, beneficiaries would receive text messages from the service providers requesting their consent before the money is transferred directly into their bank accounts or mobile wallets.
NO APPLICATION OR REGISTRATION FEE
Doro emphasised that Nigerians eligible for the intervention were not required to submit applications, pay registration fees or engage agents to access the support.
He warned the public against fraudsters seeking to exploit the programme, urging Nigerians not to disclose their Personal Identification Numbers, PINs, or Bank Verification Numbers, BVNs, to anyone.
The minister advised anyone uncertain about messages received concerning the intervention or approached by individuals demanding money to contact the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.
He described the initiative as complementary to existing Federal Government social protection and economic support programmes, aimed at strengthening household resilience and promoting economic stability.
Doro added that the intervention aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to implementing the programme with transparency, accountability and respect for beneficiaries.
The announcement comes amid continuing concerns over the rising cost of food, transportation and other essential commodities, which have placed significant pressure on Nigerian households.
However, the government says the monthly cash intervention is intended to provide direct financial relief to vulnerable citizens.
