RismadarVoice Reporters
October 30, 2026
The Federal Government has announced the commencement of a ₦50,000 cash assistance programme for vulnerable Nigerians, aimed at cushioning the effects of rising living costs and improving household financial stability.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, October 30, 2026, in Abuja.
According to the minister, the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) is a presidential initiative designed to provide financial assistance to Nigerians experiencing economic hardship.
Doro explained that the programme was introduced in response to rising food prices and the increasing cost of essential household commodities.
He announced that eligible beneficiaries would receive ₦50,000 monthly, with the intervention subject to periodic reviews based on prevailing economic conditions.
However, the ministry’s official NERSI information portal describes the payment as a one-off ₦50,000 grant, creating uncertainty over whether beneficiaries will receive recurring monthly support.
The ministry has not publicly reconciled the conflicting descriptions of the payment schedule.
On implementation, Doro explained that the government was collaborating with licensed digital financial service providers to ensure secure, transparent and timely disbursement.
Beneficiaries are expected to receive text messages from approved providers requesting their consent before payments are credited to designated bank accounts or mobile wallets.
According to the official programme portal, beneficiaries are selected through the National Social Register and verified national identity records, with payments distributed in phases.
The approved payment providers listed on the portal include ALAT by Wema Bank, MoMo Payment Service Bank and NairaGram.
The minister emphasised that Nigerians were not required to submit applications, pay registration fees or engage agents to access the intervention.
He also warned against fraudulent individuals attempting to exploit the programme by demanding payments or requesting confidential banking information.
Beneficiaries were advised never to disclose their Bank Verification Numbers, transaction passwords or Personal Identification Numbers to anyone claiming to facilitate the payments.
The ministry provided 0700-022-2222 as the programme’s official enquiry and complaints helpline.
Doro maintained that the intervention would complement existing government social protection initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability and protecting vulnerable households from economic hardship.
