The Federal Government has introduced a N50,000 cash relief programme for poor and vulnerable households across the country to cushion the effects of rising food prices and the increasing cost of essential goods.
The initiative, known as the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), was announced on October 30, 2026, by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro.
The programme is designed to provide direct financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerians through mobile wallets operated by approved digital financial service providers.
Here are important details Nigerians should know about the intervention.
1. Who Is Eligible?
The programme targets poor and vulnerable households across Nigeria.
According to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, beneficiaries will be selected from verified national identity records and the National Social Register.
The government said selection would be based on vulnerability and need, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
However, not everyone will be included in the first phase of the intervention.
2. How Much Will Beneficiaries Receive?
Selected beneficiaries are expected to receive N50,000 in financial assistance.
However, there is a discrepancy in the government’s published information regarding the payment frequency.
While the minister’s October 30 announcement described the intervention as a monthly N50,000 payment, the programme’s official website states in its frequently asked questions that the N50,000 support is a one-off payment.
The ministry’s published information should therefore be clarified to establish whether beneficiaries will receive the money once or monthly.
3. Is It a Loan?
No. The Federal Government has described the N50,000 support as a grant, meaning beneficiaries are not expected to repay the money.
The full amount is expected to be credited to selected beneficiaries without deductions by the programme.
4. How Will Beneficiaries Receive the Money?
The government is working with three approved digital payment providers to distribute the funds.
They are:
- ALAT by Wema Bank.
- MoMo Payment Service Bank.
- NairaGram.
Selected beneficiaries will receive an SMS notification from their designated payment provider requesting their consent.
After accepting the offer, a mobile wallet will be opened and linked to their phone number and National Identification Number.
The money will subsequently be credited to the wallet.
5. Do Nigerians Need to Apply?
No. The Federal Government has stated that Nigerians do not need to submit applications, pay registration fees or engage agents to qualify for the intervention.
Beneficiaries will be selected through existing government records.
The ministry warned Nigerians against individuals claiming they can secure a place on the beneficiary list in exchange for money.
6. Can Beneficiaries Withdraw the Money?
Yes. According to the programme’s official website, beneficiaries can withdraw their money through POS agents, visit participating bank branches or transfer the funds to other bank accounts.
They can also use the available USSD codes provided by their respective payment providers.
7. What Are the Approved USSD Codes?
The programme provides the following codes for beneficiaries.
ALAT by Wema Bank: 94523#
MoMo PSB: 6710#
NairaGram: 72600#
Beneficiaries are advised to use the code associated with their payment provider.
8. How Can Nigerians Avoid Scams?
The ministry has warned Nigerians against fraudulent individuals taking advantage of the relief programme.
It stressed that the intervention is free and nobody should demand money to facilitate payment.
Beneficiaries should not disclose their bank PIN, BVN, one-time passwords or other confidential financial information to anyone.
The government also advised Nigerians to ignore suspicious links and unofficial registration websites.
9. Where Can Nigerians Get More Information?
The Federal Government has provided an official helpline for enquiries and complaints.
NERSI helpline: 0700-022-2222.
Further information is available on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction’s official website.
The government said the intervention would complement existing social protection programmes and provide immediate assistance to households struggling with the rising cost of living.
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