FG explains why some Nigerians have not received N50,000 NERSI grant SMS
By Aboki Forex —
The Federal Government has said Nigerians who have not received SMS notifications for the N50,000 monthly relief grant may still qualify. It said beneficiaries are being contacted in batches.
The intervention, the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), gives monthly financial assistance to vulnerable households battling rising living costs. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, announced the commencement of the programme on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Why some have no SMS yet
Selected beneficiaries will receive N50,000 monthly through mobile wallets operated by five approved digital financial service providers. The government said approved providers are notifying beneficiaries in phases. This means some eligible Nigerians may get their messages later as disbursement continues.
The government also said the programme supports a limited number of vulnerable households at a time. Not everyone will qualify for the current phase. Selection is based on poverty and vulnerability criteria using the National Social Register and verified national identity records. The process covers all six geopolitical zones and is not determined by religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
The ministry published the clarifications in frequently asked questions on its official website. It said the absence of an SMS does not mean automatic exclusion, but it did not promise payment to everyone who has not been contacted.
No application or registration is required. Those not selected in the current phase may receive the message: “You are currently not selected to receive this relief support.” The government advised them to remain patient as notifications and payments continue in batches. It did not guarantee their inclusion in later rounds.
How to check status
Nigerians can check eligibility through USSD codes from the five approved payment providers. Beneficiaries do not need a smartphone or internet connection.
ALAT by Wema Bank: *945*23#. MoMo PSB: *671*0#. NairaGram: *726*00#. OPay: *955*20#. Moniepoint: *5573*27#.
To check status, dial the relevant code and follow the instructions.
What beneficiaries should know
Selected beneficiaries will receive an SMS from an approved provider asking for consent to participate. Recipients must follow the instructions, which may involve replying YES or dialling a designated USSD code. After consent is confirmed, the N50,000 will be credited directly to their mobile wallets.
The government stressed that the grant is not a loan. Beneficiaries are not required to repay the money. It also warned Nigerians against fake registration links.
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