FG releases N50,000 NERSI cash support details, eligibility and USSD codes

The Federal Government has released more details on its N50,000 monthly cash support programme under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI). The grant is for selected Nigerian households and is paid through five approved providers, with beneficiaries required to accept the payment using a USSD code before the money is released.

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction administers NERSI. The government said the N50,000 is a grant, not a loan, so beneficiaries do not repay it. Beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records. Nigerians cannot apply independently or pay anyone to secure a place on the list.

How selection works

Selection is based on need, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, political affiliation or geographical location. The programme covers all six geopolitical zones, but payments are being made in phases, so eligible households may receive notifications at different times. Applicants do not need to register or submit an application. The government also said the programme supports a limited number of households during each phase.

Selected beneficiaries will get an SMS from their assigned provider informing them of their eligibility and giving a USSD code to accept the payment. For example, an ALAT beneficiary may receive a notification asking them to dial 23# to accept the support. Beneficiaries can also dial their provider’s USSD code and select the eligibility-check option. The money is not released until the beneficiary accepts the offer. No smartphone, mobile data or internet connection is needed. A basic mobile phone is enough.

Payment and withdrawal codes

The five approved providers are ALAT by Wema Bank, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint. ALAT is a digital banking platform operated by Wema Bank. MoMo PSB is a licensed Payment Service Bank. NairaGram is a digital money transfer service. OPay is a licensed mobile money operator. Moniepoint is a licensed microfinance bank.

After accepting the payment, a mobile wallet is opened and the N50,000 is credited. The beneficiary will receive an SMS confirming the payment. Beneficiaries can withdraw the entire amount or part of it, leave the balance in the wallet, or transfer the money to their bank account or another person’s account. They can also visit POS agents, who may charge their normal withdrawal fees, so customers should confirm charges first.

The withdrawal and transfer options are: ALAT, dial 23Amount# to transfer to an account or visit a Wema Bank branch. MoMo PSB, dial 0#, use the MoMo NG application or visit a MoMo agent. NairaGram, dial 00# and follow the instructions. OPay, dial 20# or use the OPay application. Moniepoint, dial 27# or use the Moniepoint application.

Scam warning and contacts

The government warned that nobody can add a person to the beneficiary list or accelerate payment in exchange for money. It said the support is free. Genuine notifications will only come from the official sender names of the five approved providers: ALAT/Wema Bank, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint. The messages will not request payment, PIN, one-time password or bank verification number. The programme does not send links for beneficiaries to click to claim the money.

Nigerians should ignore suspicious messages, WhatsApp broadcasts and unsolicited calls claiming to offer assistance with the payment. Anyone asked to pay money to unlock or release the N50,000 should treat it as a scam. Beneficiaries should avoid sharing security details with family members, agents or individuals claiming to represent the programme. Those not selected will receive this notification: "You are currently not selected to receive this relief support."

For wallet or payment problems, contact: ALAT by Wema on 0803 900 3700; MoMo PSB on 671 or 0803 106 7100; NairaGram on 0201 330 0880 or 0201 330 0881; OPay on 0700 888 8328 or 0201 888 8328. For questions about the programme, call the NERSI help line on 0700-022-2222.