FG Explains How Nigerians Can Qualify for N50,000 NERSI Relief Grant
The Federal Government has explained the eligibility criteria for Nigerians seeking to benefit from its N50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) grant.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction said beneficiaries are selected through two major government databases rather than through random selection.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, had earlier announced the commencement of payments under the intervention, clarifying that the N50,000 assistance is a grant and does not have to be repaid.
According to the ministry, applicants must have a valid National Identification Number issued by the National Identity Management Commission. The NIN is used to verify beneficiaries’ identities and link them to the mobile wallets through which the money is disbursed.
The second requirement is inclusion in the National Social Register, which contains information on poor and vulnerable households across the country.
The ministry said the register is coordinated by the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office and contains information on more than 70 million Nigerians.
Explaining how beneficiaries are identified, the government said the process begins with states identifying their poorest communities. Trained enumerators then work with community leaders and residents to identify vulnerable households.
The households are subsequently registered digitally and assessed using poverty indicators. Those ranked within the bottom six deciles may qualify for inclusion in the National Beneficiary Register, which supports government cash transfer programmes.
However, the ministry stressed that being listed in the register does not automatically guarantee payment under NERSI. Prospective beneficiaries must undergo additional screening to establish whether they meet the programme’s poverty and vulnerability requirements.
The government also disclosed that payments are being distributed in phases across the six geopolitical zones, adding that not everyone would be included in the first batch.
It assured Nigerians that failure to receive payment in the initial phase does not mean they have been permanently excluded from the intervention.
The ministry further warned the public against fraudsters exploiting the programme, stressing that registration and access to the grant are completely free.
It cautioned that no government official or agent is authorised to collect money from anyone in exchange for inclusion on the beneficiary list.