The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a new relief programme to support poor households struggling with the rising cost of living. The programme, known as the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), was announced by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, on Friday in Abuja. The programme aims to provide immediate financial assistance to households in need.
Under the NERSI programme, eligible beneficiaries will receive ₦50,000 monthly to help meet basic household needs. The Minister stated that the programme would be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living, and beneficiaries would be notified directly before any adjustment to the payment. This move is part of the government's efforts to cushion the effects of rising food prices and the increasing cost of essential goods.
The Minister explained that the ministry is working with licensed digital financial service providers to ensure that payments are made securely and transparently. Beneficiaries will receive text messages from the service providers seeking their consent before the money is transferred directly into their bank accounts or mobile wallets. This approach is designed to prevent fraud and ensure that the support reaches those who need it most.
The government has emphasized that Nigerians do not need to apply, pay any fee, or register through agents to benefit from the programme. The Minister warned against fraudsters attempting to exploit the intervention and advised Nigerians not to disclose their personal identification numbers (PINs) or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) to anyone. A helpline (0700-022-2222) has been established for anyone who receives a suspicious message or is asked to make a payment.
The NERSI programme is part of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and will be implemented with a commitment to dignity, transparency, and accountability. The initiative is designed to complement existing Federal Government social protection and economic support programmes. According to the Minister, the programme will help alleviate the suffering of poor households and promote economic stability.
The government has assured Nigerians that the programme will be implemented in a transparent and accountable manner. The Minister emphasized that the initiative is a demonstration of the government's commitment to supporting its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable. The programme is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of many Nigerians who are struggling to make ends meet.
The implementation of the NERSI programme is a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by poor households in Nigeria. With the programme, the government aims to provide relief to those who need it most and promote economic stability. The government's efforts to support its citizens have been commended by many, and the programme is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of many Nigerians.
Key points
- The Federal Government has announced a monthly cash support of ₦50,000 for eligible poor households under a new relief programme aimed at helping Nigerians cope with rising living costs.
- The programme, known as the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), is part of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and will be implemented with a commitment to dignity, transparency, and accountability.
- Beneficiaries will receive ₦50,000 monthly to help meet basic household needs, and the programme will be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living.
