The Federal Government has commenced a monthly cash relief programme that will provide ₦50,000 to eligible vulnerable households, as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising food prices and living costs.

Announcing the initiative in Abuja, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, said the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) is a presidential initiative aimed at offering direct financial support to millions of Nigerians facing economic pressure.

Under the programme, beneficiaries will receive ₦50,000 every month to help meet essential needs such as food, transport, and other household expenses.

The minister said the support would be reviewed periodically in line with changes in the cost of living, with beneficiaries informed before any adjustment.

Doro explained that payments would be delivered securely through licensed digital financial service providers, directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts or mobile wallets after they receive consent messages.

He stressed that eligible Nigerians do not need to apply, pay any fee, or register through agents to benefit from the programme.

The minister also warned residents against fraudsters, urging beneficiaries not to disclose their PINs or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) to anyone.

He advised anyone uncertain about a message or asked for money to contact the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.

According to the minister, NERSI complements existing social protection programmes and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with a commitment to transparency, dignity, and accountability in its implementation.