FG Begins N50,000 Monthly Cash Support For Poor Nigerians, Issues Strong Warning

According to a report by The Punch on Friday, October 30, 2026, the Federal Government has started a monthly cash relief programme that will pay N50,000 to vulnerable households struggling with the rising cost of living.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, announced this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, as reported by Channels TV.

According to him, the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) is a presidential initiative meant to give immediate financial support to millions of vulnerable Nigerians.

He explained that it was introduced because of global food inflation and the rising prices of essential goods, which continue to put pressure on families.

“Under this intervention, eligible beneficiaries will receive N50,000 monthly, providing direct assistance to help meet essential needs and ease the burden of living costs,” the minister said.

Doro added that the programme will be reviewed regularly in line with changes in the cost of living. Beneficiaries will be told directly before any adjustment is made.

On how the money will be delivered, he said the ministry is working with licensed digital financial service providers.

Beneficiaries will first receive text messages asking for their consent, after which payments will go straight into their bank accounts or mobile wallets.

The minister stressed that nobody is required to apply, pay any fee or register through an agent to benefit. He also warned Nigerians to watch out for fraudsters and never share their PINs or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) with anyone.

“If you are unsure about any message, or anyone asks you for money, call the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222,” he said.

Doro noted that NERSI complements existing federal social protection and economic support programmes while helping households stay resilient.

He said it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and the ministry is committed to running it with dignity, transparency and accountability.

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