The federal government says it’s starting a monthly payment of N50k handout to the ‘vulnerable’—anyone, including youth, broke enough and ready to risk some bad guys phishing their bank accounts.

According to Humanitarian Affairs Minister Bernard Doro in an October statement, the fund is coming under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI).

“Under this intervention, eligible beneficiaries will receive ₦50,000 monthly, providing direct assistance to help meet essential needs and ease the burden of living costs,” Doro said.

Now the fishy part: The minister said the ministry was working with licensed digital financial service providers to ensure the doles land securely in beneficiaries’ accounts.

Beneficiaries will receive an SMS from one of these providers asking for their consent. “This message is genuine,” he said. “Once consent is given, payment is made directly to the beneficiary’s account/mobile wallet.”

A similar process applies to another freebie focusing on young Nigerians: the Youth Economic Intervention and De-radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP).

YEIDEP applicants who missed the cut the first time, and have yet to get their notification, should wait for the next batch, according to the agency Facebook post.

Warning: you don’t have to apply, pay any fee, register through any agent, or share BVN and other personal digits.

Buzz NERSI helpline: 0700-022-2222,” he said.