Nigerian government launches monthly cash relief for vulnerable households
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The Nigerian Federal Government launched the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention, a program that provides monthly cash payments of N50,000 to vulnerable households across the country.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Dr Bernard Doro stated that the initiative aims to support citizens facing high food inflation and rising costs for essential goods. The ministry will work with licensed digital financial service providers to distribute the funds into bank accounts or mobile wallets.
Eligible people will receive a text message from these providers to give consent before any money is transferred. Doro noted that the government will review the payment amounts over time to keep up with the cost of living and will notify recipients before making any changes. The government confirmed that people do not need to apply, pay fees, or register with agents to receive the support.
Doro warned the public to watch out for scammers and told people never to share their PINs or Bank Verification Numbers. He provided an official helpline number for those who have concerns about their payments. The program runs alongside existing social protection and economic support programs to help households build resilience. However, auditors previously noted that they could not verify N33.75 billion in cash transfers from 2023 because of missing beneficiary records and statements.
The National Capital Territory Office was asked to account for those funds or refund any amounts that cannot be verified.
