Transactions in a beneficiary’s account history tend to determine whether he or she is selected for the Federal Government’s NERSI ₦50,000 cash support or not.
Obviously, millionaires cannot qualify, as the offer targets poor and vulnerable households.
Since the cost of living relief was announced, some Nigerians have observed that mostly Northerners seem to benefit, leaving many feeling ignored by the Federal Government.
However, many appear to have overlooked FG’s explanation that beneficiaries are drawn from verified national identity records and the National Social Register, then screened to reach poor and vulnerable households.
FGN says beneficiaries are spread across all six geopolitical zones and selected on need alone, regardless of religion, ethnic group or political affiliation. Payments go out in phases, so not everyone is contacted at the same time.
The shock-responsive cash transfer is sent straight to the phone. There are no fees, and recipients will not pay it back. Nobody can apply or pay to be added. The money goes directly to beneficiaries, with no middlemen.
To know if you qualify, you will receive SMS from any of the partner institutions, with instructions to dial the USSD code of the provider:
ALAT (Wema Bank): Dial *945*23#
MoMo PSB: Dial *671*0#
NairaGram: Dial *726*00#
OPay: Dial *955*20# or use the app
Moniepoint: Dial *5573*27# or use the app
Xpress Payments: Access details coming soon
How it works
FG determines whether your household is vulnerable. You receive an SMS saying you are selected. You accept the offer. A wallet is opened for you, and you are paid ₦50,000, which can be withdrawn.