The Federal Government has introduced a USSD option through ALAT by Wema Bank, allowing Nigerians to check their eligibility for the ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI).
The service allows customers to check their selection status and accept the support without internet access.
The intervention is coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. It targets poor and vulnerable households facing rising living costs.
Beneficiaries are selected using verified national identity records and the National Social Register. Having a Wema Bank or ALAT account does not automatically qualify a customer.
Customers can dial *945*23# using the mobile number linked to their details. They should select the eligibility-check option and follow the instructions displayed.
If selected, customers can follow the prompts to give consent and receive the ₦50,000 support. The money is credited to the beneficiary’s mobile wallet after consent.
Payments are being made in phases, meaning beneficiaries may receive notifications at different times. Not receiving a message immediately does not mean the exercise has ended.
The ₦50,000 support is a grant, not a loan, and does not have to be repaid. The government says the full amount is credited without deductions.
Beneficiaries should beware of fraudsters. Nobody is authorised to collect fees, request an ATM PIN or One-Time Password (OTP), or promise to add names to the list or guarantee a successful payment. The official NERSI helpline is 0700-022-2222.
How to check
There is no public application or registration process. Wema Bank customers can dial *945*23# and select the eligibility-check option to see whether they have been selected. Follow only official prompts and never pay anyone to secure the support.