FG explains why N50,000 NERSI grant SMS alerts are delayed

The Federal Government has said Nigerians selected for its N50,000 relief grant may receive payment notifications at different times because disbursements are being made in phases. It said a delayed SMS does not mean a beneficiary has been excluded from the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI).

The clarification comes as vulnerable households await payments under the programme, which is coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

Why payment alerts are delayed

According to the programme's frequently asked questions, approved payment providers are contacting beneficiaries in batches. The government said failure to receive a text message immediately does not necessarily mean an individual has been left out.

“Payments go out in phases. Providers contact beneficiaries in batches, so your SMS may simply not have arrived yet,” the programme's website stated.

The government did not specify a uniform payment date for all beneficiaries. It said notifications and disbursements would depend on the ongoing payment batches. It also cautioned that not everyone would benefit during the current phase because the programme targets a limited number of vulnerable households.

Nigerians seeking confirmation of their eligibility were advised to use the designated USSD channels provided by participating financial institutions. Those whose details are not included in the current beneficiary list will receive a message stating: “You are currently not selected to receive this relief support.”

Approved providers and selection rules

Five approved payment providers are facilitating the distribution of the N50,000 grants. They are ALAT, MoMo Payment Service Bank, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.

According to the programme's guidelines, beneficiaries are identified through the National Social Register and verified national identity records. Selection is based on household vulnerability, with recipients drawn from Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.

The government maintained that Nigerians cannot independently apply for inclusion or pay anyone to secure selection. Selected Nigerians will receive SMS notifications from their designated payment providers containing instructions for accepting the grant. Beneficiaries must complete the required acceptance process through the specified USSD channel before the funds are credited to their mobile wallets.

The government clarified that the N50,000 payment is a grant rather than a loan, meaning recipients are not expected to repay the money. It also emphasised that accepting the offer, receiving payment and responding to programme notifications attract no charges.

No fees, no agents, no PIN sharing

The government warned Nigerians against fraudsters exploiting the programme to demand registration fees or promise faster payments.

“No one can add you to the list or speed up your payment. Anyone who offers to do so for a fee is a fraudster,” the FAQ warned.

Beneficiaries were also advised never to disclose their personal identification numbers, one-time passwords or bank verification numbers to individuals claiming to facilitate disbursements. The government urged Nigerians awaiting notifications to rely on official payment channels rather than unofficial agents promising guaranteed access to the intervention.

For affected households, the practical takeaway is to wait for the official SMS, check through the designated USSD channels, ignore agents demanding fees, and avoid sharing PINs, OTPs or BVNs.