FG names five platforms for N50,000 monthly NERSI cash relief

The Federal Government has named five approved digital financial service providers to deliver its N50,000 monthly cash relief to vulnerable Nigerians under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI). The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, announced the start of the payments in a statement issued on October 30.

The scheme is meant to cushion the impact of rising food prices and the increasing cost of essential goods on households struggling with the cost of living. The government said the relief is targeted at vulnerable Nigerians.

Approved providers and USSD codes

The five approved providers are ALAT by Wema, with USSD code 23#; MoMo PSB, 0#; NairaGram, 00#; OPay, 20#; and Moniepoint, 327#.

Doro said eligible beneficiaries will receive genuine SMS notifications from the approved providers asking for consent before money is transferred to their bank accounts or mobile wallets. The government is working with licensed digital financial service providers to ensure beneficiaries receive their funds securely.

He said: “Beneficiaries will be notified by SMS from an approved service provider to confirm their consent before the funds are transferred directly to their bank accounts or mobile wallets.”

The minister added that the government will regularly review the programme in response to changes in the cost of living and notify beneficiaries before introducing any adjustments.

No application, no fees

The government stressed that beneficiaries do not need to submit applications, pay registration fees or use agents or middlemen to receive the N50,000 monthly relief. Beneficiaries must give consent before the payments are processed.

Fraud warning and helpline

Doro warned Nigerians against fraudsters who may attempt to exploit the payment exercise. He advised beneficiaries not to disclose their personal identification numbers (PINs) or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) to anyone.

Anyone uncertain about a payment notification, or asked to pay money to access the relief, should contact the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.

For eligible households, the payment could ease pressure on food and essential spending. The warning also puts focus on fraud checks as cash moves through bank accounts and mobile wallets.