Nigeria NERSI to Start N50,000 Monthly Cash Transfers

In Short

Nigeria’s federal government says it will start monthly N50,000 cash transfers for selected vulnerable households under its national emergency relief and stabilisation intervention (NERSI).

What Happened

NERSI is a cash transfer programme run by the federal government. Bernard Doro, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, said the payments are meant to ease pressure from rising living costs.

Doro said beneficiaries will receive an SMS from one of the network providers asking for their consent. After consent is given, payment will be made directly into the beneficiary’s bank account or mobile wallet.

He warned that beneficiaries do not need to apply, pay any fee, or register through an agent. He also cautioned Nigerians not to share their PIN or BVN.

For people who are unsure about any message, or who are asked to pay money to access the intervention, Doro said they can contact the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.

How Payments Will Work

According to the NERSI portal, beneficiaries are identified through verified national identity records and the national social register. The portal lists ALAT by Wema, MoMo Payment Service Bank and Nairagram as approved payment providers.

The portal also says the programme is being implemented in phases, meaning beneficiaries may not receive notifications at the same time.

NERSI’s published guidelines add that beneficiaries can access their funds through mobile wallets, transfer the money to bank accounts, or withdraw through agents. This is subject to applicable transaction charges.

Why It Matters

For fintech and payments operators, NERSI is another example of government-to-person payments that rely on SMS consent flows and digital payout rails, including bank accounts and mobile wallets.

Doro said the programme will be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living, and that beneficiaries will be notified directly before any adjustments are made.