Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has set out how recipients are chosen for the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention, or NERSI, a programme designed to assist vulnerable families facing higher living expenses.
The ministry said the explanation was intended to improve public understanding of the scheme and counter misleading claims. Janet Mcdickson Noah, Director of Information and Public Relations, signed the statement issued on Friday.
Quick facts
- NERSI recipients are identified through the National Social Register and verified national identity data.
- Selection is based on poverty and vulnerability indicators across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
- Each approved recipient will receive a N50,000 grant, with no repayment obligation.
- There is no application or enrolment process, and agents or individuals cannot affect selection decisions.
- Notifications will be sent by SMS through authorised digital financial service providers.
The ministry said beneficiary identification draws on the National Social Register alongside validated national identity records. The process uses criteria measuring poverty levels and household vulnerability.
Coverage extends to every one of the country’s six geopolitical regions. Nigerians do not need to submit an application or register for the intervention, while no person or intermediary has the power to secure selection for an applicant.
Approved households will receive N50,000 as direct financial support rather than credit. The payment is a grant and recipients will not be required to repay it.
Those selected will be contacted through text messages issued by one of the authorised digital financial-service providers. The ministry urged recipients to remain alert to fraud attempts.
Beneficiaries were specifically warned not to disclose their Personal Identification Number, One-Time Password or Bank Verification Number to any individual. Questions and complaints can be directed to the official NERSI help line, 0700-022-2222.
The ministry said it remained committed to administering the relief programme transparently, accountably and with dignity, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
