FG starts N50,000 monthly cash support for vulnerable families

The federal government has kicked off a cash support program. This program will give N50,000 each month to vulnerable households. The aim is to help them cope with rising living costs.

Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, shared this news in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Doro stated that the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) is a presidential program aimed at providing quick financial help to millions of vulnerable Nigerians.

He said this program was created in response to global food price hikes and the increasing cost of essential goods. These factors have been putting pressure on household budgets.

"Under this program, eligible beneficiaries will receive N50,000 monthly. This assistance is meant to help meet essential needs and reduce the burden of living costs," he said.

The minister mentioned that the program would be checked regularly to reflect changes in living costs. He added that beneficiaries would be informed directly before any changes happen.

According to him, the ministry is working with approved digital financial service providers. This is to ensure that the funds are given out safely, on time, and clearly.

He explained that beneficiaries would get text messages from the service providers. These messages will ask for their consent before payments go directly into their bank accounts or mobile wallets.

Mr Doro stressed that beneficiaries do not need to apply, pay fees, or register through agents to access the support.

He also cautioned Nigerians about fraudsters. He advised them not to share their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) with anyone.

"If you are unsure about any message, or if someone asks you for money, call the official NERSI helpline at 0700-022-2222," he said.

The minister described NERSI as an addition to current federal government social protection and economic support programs. He noted that it is meant to boost household resilience and encourage economic stability.

He also pointed out that the intervention fits with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. He reaffirmed the ministry’s promise to run the program with dignity, transparency, and accountability.