Government set to pay poor Nigerians N50,000 monthly

The federal government of Nigeria has launched the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), a monthly cash scheme that will pay vulnerable households N50,000 directly.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Bernard Doro announced the scheme in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

According to the minister, payments will go directly into the bank accounts or mobile wallets of selected beneficiaries. The government said NERSI requires no application, agent registration or payment of fees to qualify. Beneficiaries will receive a text message from these providers asking for their consent before money is moved into their bank accounts or mobile wallets.

Doro said licensed digital financial service providers will process transfers securely and on schedule. 

"Under this intervention, eligible beneficiaries will receive N50,000 monthly, providing direct assistance to help meet essential needs and ease the burden of living costs," he said.

The N50,000 figure will be reviewed from time to time to keep pace with changes in the cost of living. Beneficiaries will be notified before any adjustment takes effect.

Doro said no Nigerian needs to apply, pay a fee or go through any agent to receive the benefit. He urged residents to be on guard against fraudsters who may try to take advantage of the programme.

"If you are unsure about any message, or anyone asks you for money, call the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222," he said.

He also warned beneficiaries not to share their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) with anyone.

Doro described NERSI as a complement to existing federal social protection schemes, not a replacement. He said it is intended to strengthen the financial resilience of vulnerable households while contributing to broader economic stability. 

He linked the initiative to President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and pledged that the ministry would run the programme with transparency, accountability and respect for those it serves.