By Omoyeni Ojeifo
As part of its plans to ease poverty, the Federal Government has launched a ₦50,000 monthly cash transfer programme for millions of vulnerable Nigerians struggling with rising food prices and the high cost of essential goods.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, announced the commencement of the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) on Friday, describing it as a presidential initiative to provide immediate financial relief.
Doro explained that the intervention was introduced against the backdrop of global food inflation and rising prices of essential commodities, which have continued to put pressure on household finances.
He said: “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.”
According to the minister, the programme would be reviewed regularly to reflect changes in the cost of living, with beneficiaries receiving direct notifications before any adjustment to the payments.
On the payment arrangements, Doro explained that the Ministry was partnering with licensed digital financial service providers to ensure the funds reach beneficiaries securely and transparently.
He stated: “To ensure funds are delivered securely, quickly and transparently, the Ministry is working with licensed digital financial service providers. Beneficiaries will receive an SMS from one of these providers asking for their consent.”
Doro assured beneficiaries that the messages requesting their consent were genuine, adding that payments would be transferred directly into their bank accounts or mobile wallets once consent was obtained.
He described NERSI as complementary to existing government interventions, saying: “It reflects our commitment to providing immediate relief while building household resilience and economic stability, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The minister acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting households and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to implementing the programme with accountability.
He said: “We recognise the challenges many Nigerians are facing. The Ministry is committed to delivering this intervention with dignity, transparency and accountability.”
Doro, however, warned Nigerians against fraudsters seeking to exploit the intervention, emphasising that beneficiaries were not required to submit applications, pay registration fees or register through agents.
He cautioned: “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.”
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