By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
The Federal Government has announced a new emergency cash transfer programme, offering ₦50,000 monthly to vulnerable Nigerians to cushion the effects of rising food prices and the increasing cost of essential goods.
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 households and strengthen their capacity to cope with economic challenges.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro announcing the commencement of the programme.
According to the statement, the initiative introduces a shock-responsive cash transfer system through which eligible beneficiaries will receive ₦50,000 monthly to support their basic needs and ease the burden of rising living costs.
The Minister noted that the intervention would be reviewed regularly in response to changes in the cost of living, adding that beneficiaries would be notified directly before any adjustments were made.
He disclosed that the Ministry was working with licensed digital financial service providers to ensure secure, transparent and timely delivery of the funds.
Doro explained that beneficiaries would receive text messages from the approved service providers requesting their consent, after which payments would be made directly into their bank accounts or mobile wallets.
He said the programme complements existing Federal Government social protection and economic support initiatives, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to providing immediate relief and strengthening household economic stability under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister, however, warned Nigerians against falling victim to fraudulent activities, stressing that beneficiaries were not required to apply, pay fees or register through agents to access the intervention.
Meanwhile, he cautioned beneficiaries against sharing their personal identification numbers, PINs or Bank Verification Numbers, BVNs with anyone.
Doro advised Nigerians who were uncertain about messages received or encountered individuals demanding payment to contact the official NERSI helpline.
