The Federal Government has released guidelines on how Nigerians can check their eligibility and receive the ₦50,000 relief grant under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI).
The programme, launched on October 30, 2026, aims to support vulnerable households struggling with rising food prices and the cost of essential goods.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, said eligible beneficiaries would receive ₦50,000 monthly to help meet their basic needs.
However, the government clarified that Nigerians cannot apply directly for the grant, as beneficiaries are selected from existing national records.
Who Qualifies for the FG ₦50,000 Grant?
According to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records.
The selection targets poor and vulnerable households across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The government explained that individuals cannot pay to secure a place on the beneficiary list or register through agents.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check Eligibility and Receive Payment
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Nigerians can check their eligibility using the USSD code provided by their approved payment provider.
The five approved providers and their codes are:
- ALAT by Wema Bank: 94523#
- MoMo PSB: 6710#
- NairaGram: 72600#
- OPay: 95520#
- Moniepoint: 557327#
Users should dial the appropriate code and follow the instructions to check their eligibility status.
Step 2: Confirm Your Selection
Selected beneficiaries will receive an SMS from one of the approved payment providers notifying them of their eligibility.
The message will contain instructions on how to accept the grant.
Those who have not received an SMS may check their eligibility through their payment provider’s USSD service.
Step 3: Accept the ₦50,000 Grant
Eligible beneficiaries must give their consent before receiving payment.
They can accept the offer by following the instructions in the official SMS or dialing their provider’s designated USSD code.
The government stated that payments will not be made until beneficiaries accept the offer.
Step 4: Receive Payment
After acceptance, a mobile wallet linked to the beneficiary’s phone number and National Identification Number will be activated.
The ₦50,000 will then be credited to the wallet, and the payment provider will send a confirmation message.
Beneficiaries do not need smartphones or internet access to complete the USSD process.
Step 5: Withdraw the Money
Once the payment is received, beneficiaries can access their funds through their approved provider.
The money can be withdrawn through supported banks or Point of Sale agents, or spent directly from the mobile wallet.
Although the government does not deduct money from the grant, normal withdrawal charges may apply when using POS agents.
What Happens If You Are Not Selected?
The Federal Government explained that payments are being processed in phases, with selected beneficiaries contacted in batches.
Therefore, not receiving an SMS immediately does not necessarily mean a person has been permanently excluded.
However, the government has not guaranteed that everyone who is currently unselected will receive payment in a subsequent batch.
Why Is the Government Giving Nigerians ₦50,000?
Doro said the intervention was introduced to cushion the effects of rising living costs and provide immediate financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerians.
The programme is intended to help households purchase essential goods and manage short-term financial pressures.
The ministry said the initiative would be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in living costs.
FG Warns Against Fake Grant Applications
The government warned Nigerians against fraudsters demanding payment to process applications or release the ₦50,000 grant.
It stressed that the programme is free and does not require an application fee, registration through agents or payment to government officials.
Beneficiaries were also advised not to share their Bank Verification Numbers, PINs, passwords or one-time passwords with anyone.
For enquiries or complaints, Nigerians can contact the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.
Further information is available on the official government portal: https://fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi/
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