FG begins N50,000 monthly cash relief for vulnerable Nigerian households

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a nationwide monthly cash relief initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable households impacted by the increase in living costs. Dr Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, announced the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) on October 30, 2026. The programme will provide N50,000 to eligible Nigerians every month to assist with essential expenses amidst rising prices.

Doro explained that NERSI is a presidential initiative launched in response to global food inflation and the escalating cost of essential goods. Beneficiaries will receive direct financial assistance to meet their needs and alleviate the strain of rising living expenses. The minister assured that eligible individuals would be notified before any adjustments to the programme were made.

The intervention is being carried out in collaboration with licensed digital financial service providers to ensure secure, timely, and transparent disbursement of funds. Nigerians will receive notifications via text message requesting their consent before payments are made to their bank accounts or mobile wallets. Doro urged citizens not to share their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) with anyone, warning against potential fraud attempts.

NERSI is intended to complement existing social protection and economic support programmes and aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. The minister emphasized that the intervention reflects the ministry's commitment to dignity, transparency, and accountability in implementing the programme.