The Federal Government has introduced a ₦50,000 cash relief intervention for poor and vulnerable households across Nigeria as part of efforts to ease the pressure of rising living costs.

The initiative, known as the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction under the leadership of Minister Bernard Doro.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Doro said the programme was designed to provide direct financial assistance to households struggling with rising food prices and the increasing cost of essential goods.

According to the minister, the intervention will deliver financial support directly to selected beneficiaries through licensed digital financial service providers.

He explained that beneficiaries would receive text messages from approved providers requesting their consent before the funds are credited to their mobile wallets.

Doro emphasised that Nigerians do not need to submit applications, pay registration fees or engage agents to qualify for the intervention.

He also warned the public against fraudulent individuals seeking to exploit the programme, advising beneficiaries never to disclose their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) or other security details.

The minister urged anyone uncertain about messages relating to the intervention or confronted with demands for payment to contact the NERSI helpdesk on 0700-022-2222.

The ministry said beneficiaries would be selected through verified national identity records and the National Social Register, with payments distributed in phases.

It added that the intervention was designed to complement existing social protection schemes while helping vulnerable households withstand economic difficulties.

The programme forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with the ministry pledging to ensure transparency and accountability in its implementation.

Source credit: Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; additional confirmation from Independent Newspaper and Channels News.