The federal government has begun a monthly cash relief programme that will provide N50,000 to eligible households, aiming to soften the impact of rising living expenses, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction announced on Friday in Abuja. The initiative, known as the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), is a presidential effort designed to deliver swift financial support to millions of vulnerable Nigerians.
What is the cash relief programme?
The NERSI scheme will disburse N50,000 each month to beneficiaries who meet the vulnerability criteria set by the ministry. According to the minister, the assistance is intended to help families meet essential needs such as food, medicine and transport, thereby easing the pressure caused by global food inflation and higher prices of basic goods.
How will the funds be delivered?
The ministry is partnering with licensed digital financial service providers to ensure that payments are secure, prompt and transparent. Beneficiaries will receive a text message from the provider asking for their consent before the amount is transferred directly into their bank accounts or mobile wallets. The minister emphasized that no application fee, registration through agents, or prior enrolment is required for the assistance.
What safeguards protect recipients?
The minister warned Nigerians to be vigilant against fraudsters. He urged beneficiaries not to share personal identification numbers (PINs) or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) with anyone. "Do not disclose your PIN or BVN to anyone; legitimate payments will come only after you confirm via the text message," he said.
The programme will be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living, and any adjustments will be communicated directly to beneficiaries before implementation. The Federal Government hopes the cash relief will provide immediate relief while longer‑term measures to stabilise prices are pursued.
When will the next review occur?
While a specific timetable was not disclosed, the minister indicated that the review cycle will be responsive to market trends and inflation data, ensuring that the assistance remains relevant to household needs.
Overall, the monthly N50,000 cash grant represents a direct, no‑fee intervention aimed at cushioning vulnerable Nigerians against the current surge in living costs.