OPay, Moniepoint, three others release USSD codes for FG's N50,000 monthly cash support

Five payment providers have released dedicated USSD codes for Nigerians to check eligibility for the Federal Government's N50,000 monthly cash support and receive payment through bank accounts or mobile wallets. The providers are OPay, Moniepoint, MoMo PSB, ALAT by Wema and NairaGram.

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction is overseeing the programme. It targets vulnerable households across Nigeria and is meant to provide monthly financial relief. Beneficiaries do not need to submit an application, pay a registration fee or hire an agent, according to the government.

Codes to dial

ALAT by Wema customers can dial *23#. MoMo PSB users can dial *0#. NairaGram customers can dial *00#. OPay users can dial *20#. Moniepoint customers can dial *3*27#.

Each code connects users to the provider's channel for the programme. Customers can follow the prompts to confirm eligibility or get guidance on next steps. OPay said eligible customers may also receive a notification inside its app, giving them another way to confirm status without dialling a code.

OPay clarifies role, warns on fraud

OPay said it does not determine who qualifies for the scheme. It said selection is entirely in the hands of the Federal Government. The fintech also warned users not to share their PINs or one-time passwords with anyone claiming to help them access the funds. Customers who need help can call OPay's official helpline on 07000222222.

Authorities have urged Nigerians to rely only on official communication and avoid suspicious links, fake agents or people demanding money for access to the programme. Once a household is confirmed eligible, the recipient will get an SMS notification asking for consent before funds are transferred to a bank account or mobile wallet.

What it means for consumers

The USSD channels reduce the need to visit a bank branch or use a third party. That matters for vulnerable households who may have basic phones or limited access to banking services. It also gives the government and fintechs a direct route to confirm eligibility and pay beneficiaries while warning against fraud.

Separately, the Federal Government's offline loan platform SPARK is already processing credit disbursements. The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation introduced SPARK so Nigerians can apply for consumer loans using basic mobile phones without a smartphone or internet connection. The service is accessible by dialling *347*333#.