The Federal Government has commenced the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) scheme to provide immediate financial relief to vulnerable Nigerians.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, announced this in a statement on Thursday, October 30, 2026.
According to the Minister, the presidential initiative will provide ₦50,000 monthly as direct financial relief to the most vulnerable households.
“On behalf of the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction today announces the commencement of the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), a Presidential initiative to provide immediate financial relief to the most vulnerable Nigerians,” he said.
He said global food inflation and the high cost of essential goods continue to place pressure on households across the country, adding that NERSI introduces a shock-responsive cash transfer programme to help millions of households stabilise in the short term.
“Under this intervention, eligible beneficiaries will receive ₦50,000 monthly, providing direct assistance to help meet essential needs and ease the burden of living costs. The initiative will be reviewed regularly in light of changes in the cost of living, and beneficiaries will be notified directly before any change,” Doro stated.
To ensure secure and transparent delivery, the Ministry said it is working with licensed digital financial service providers.
“Beneficiaries will receive an SMS from one of these providers asking for their consent. This message is genuine. Once consent is given, payment is made directly to the beneficiary’s account/mobile wallet,” the Minister said.
He noted that NERSI complements existing social protection and economic support programmes and reflects the government’s commitment to providing immediate relief while building household resilience in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We recognise the challenges many Nigerians are facing. The Ministry is committed to delivering this intervention with dignity, transparency and accountability,” he added.
The Minister warned that beneficiaries are not required to apply, pay any fee or register through any agent to receive support.
“Never share your PIN or BVN with anyone. If you are unsure about any message, or anyone asks you for money, call the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222. Further information and official programme updates are available on the Ministry’s website,” he said.
Following the announcement, some observers have questioned the timing of the intervention, noting that it comes as the country moves closer to another general election cycle.
