By Felix Shammah /Seun Adams
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (FMHAPR), on Friday 30th, October 2026, announced the commencement of the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) as panacea to address household economic challenges.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, while explaining the rationale behind the intervention at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja, said the measure is a shock-responsive cash transfer programme that will provide basic relief to millions of vulnerable households and help them stabilise in the short term.
He reiterated that the presidential initiative is a panacea by the Ministry intended to address and provide financial relief to the most vulnerable Nigerians.
Recall that global food inflation caused by a myriad of factors like the Middle East war, climate change have triggered the high cost of essential goods across developing countries and continue to place real pressure on households across the country.
Doro, said: “In response, NERSI introduces a shock-responsive cash transfer programme that will provide basic relief to millions of vulnerable households and help them 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.
To ensure funds are delivered securely, quickly and transparently, he said the Ministry is working with licensed digital financial service providers, adding: “Beneficiaries will receive an SMS from one of these providers asking for their consent.”
He underscored: “This message is genuine. Once consent is given, payment is made directly to the beneficiary’s account/mobile wallet.”
According to him, NERSI complements the Federal Government’s existing social protection and economic support programmes as according to him this reflects federal government’s commitment to providing immediate relief while building household resilience and economic stability, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“We recognise the challenges many Nigerians are facing. The Ministry is committed to delivering this intervention with dignity, transparency and accountability.
“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: www.fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi/”