By Radarr Africa Business Desk
LAGOS, October 31 (Radarr Africa) – The Federal Government has begun paying eligible vulnerable households N50,000 a month under a new presidential programme, the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction announced on October 30.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, announced the scheme in Abuja, according to Naija News, which cited Channels Television. The ministry’s statement describes NERSI as a presidential initiative to provide immediate financial relief to the most vulnerable Nigerians.
Doro said the programme responds to global food inflation and rising prices of essential goods, Naija News reported. Tribune Online described it as short-term cash relief for households facing high food and living costs.
Under the statement, payments go directly to a beneficiary’s bank account or mobile wallet. The ministry said it is working with licensed digital financial service providers, who will send an SMS asking for consent before any money is paid. The ministry said that message is genuine.
The N50,000 figure will not necessarily stay fixed. The ministry said the amount will be reviewed regularly to reflect the cost of living, and that beneficiaries will receive direct notice before any adjustment.
Tribune Online quoted Doro as saying the ministry is committed to “delivering this intervention with dignity, transparency and accountability.” The paper said NERSI complements existing social protection programmes and falls under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ministry also used the announcement to warn against fraud. It said beneficiaries do not need to apply, pay any fee or register through an agent. In the statement it advised: “Never share your PIN or BVN with anyone.” People who are unsure about a message, or who are asked for money, were directed to the NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222. Updates will be posted at www.fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi/, the ministry said.
Several details were not given in the statement. It refers only to eligible beneficiaries and vulnerable households and does not list the criteria for eligibility. It says the programme will reach millions of households but does not give a number. It does not state the total budget, the source of funds or how long the monthly payments will run.
Tribune Online reported that the intervention complements existing social protection programmes but did not name them.
The ministry’s statement was published on the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation website. Radarr Africa has not independently verified the start of disbursements or whether any beneficiaries have yet received payments.
