Nigerians using OPay are checking their eligibility for the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 relief payment under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), following an update from the payment provider on how customers can access the grant.
OPay has explained how eligible customers can check for the payment, raising interest among users who want to know whether they have been selected to receive the Federal Government’s support.
However, owning an OPay account does not automatically qualify anyone for the grant. The Federal Government says beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records, using poverty and vulnerability criteria.
OPay is one of five approved payment providers involved in notifying selected beneficiaries and delivering the funds. The others are ALAT by Wema Bank, MoMo Payment Service Bank (PSB), NairaGram and Moniepoint.
The payment provider has explained that eligible customers may see a NERSI notification on their app homepage. OPay does not select beneficiaries; the government determines who qualifies for the payment.
The ₦50,000 support is a grant, not a loan, and selected beneficiaries do not have to repay it. Payments are being made in phases, so not receiving an alert immediately does not necessarily mean someone has been permanently excluded. The scheme is intended to reach poor and vulnerable households nationwide.
How to accept
OPay customers can check for a NERSI notification on their app homepage or dial *955*20# and follow the prompts to check their eligibility. Those selected should follow the instructions provided to accept the payment. The ₦50,000 is credited after consent is given.
There is no public application form, and nobody can pay to secure a place. Do not share your Personal Identification Number (PIN), One-Time Password (OTP) or Bank Verification Number (BVN), and do not pay agents. For confirmation, contact the NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.