The Federal Government has explained why some Nigerians are yet to receive notifications for its ₦50,000 relief payment, saying the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) is being implemented in phases.
According to the programme’s frequently asked questions (FAQs), payment providers are contacting selected beneficiaries in batches. Some selected people may receive messages much later.
Not everyone will be included in this phase because the programme supports a limited number of vulnerable households.
NERSI is managed by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. Beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records, then screened based on poverty and vulnerability.
Selection covers all six geopolitical zones and is based on need, not religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. Nigerians cannot apply or pay anyone to secure a place on the list.
Selected beneficiaries receive ₦50,000 through mobile wallets operated by approved providers, including ALAT, MoMo Payment Service Bank (PSB), NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint. The grant is not a loan and does not require repayment.
The government warned against payment demands. Genuine NERSI messages come from approved providers and do not contain links or request personal identification numbers (PINs), one-time passwords (OTPs) or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs).
How to check your status
Nigerians can check eligibility by dialling an approved provider’s USSD code and selecting the eligibility-check option. For enquiries, contact the NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222. Never pay to secure or speed payment.