PAUSEANDPONDERVulnerable households start getting ₦50,000 a month under new relief scheme
Payments under NERSI go straight to bank accounts and mobile wallets, with no form or fee required.
The federal government has started paying ₦50,000 every month to poor and vulnerable households to help them cope with the cost of food and other basics.
The money comes through a new presidential programme, the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI). Bernard Doro, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, announced the start of payments on Friday, 30 October.
Beneficiaries are paid directly into a bank account or mobile wallet by licensed digital payment providers. Before any money is sent, the provider texts the beneficiary to ask for their consent.
Officials say nobody needs to apply, register, pay a fee or go through an agent to receive the money. The ministry says the amount will be reviewed from time to time in line with living costs, and people will be told before any change.
The government has warned beneficiaries never to give out their PIN or BVN. Anyone who gets a suspicious message or is asked to pay money can call the NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.
Source: this report is based on reporting by BusinessDay and The Whistler.