The Federal Government has begun paying ₦50,000 in cash relief to vulnerable Nigerians under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), according to a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, 30 October 2026 by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro. He described NERSI as a presidential initiative meant to cushion the effect of rising food prices and the high cost of essential goods.
If you are wondering whether you are on the list, the first thing to know is that nobody applies. The ministry says beneficiaries are selected from existing national records, and that you cannot register, pay or use an agent to get in. Fraudsters are already using the announcement, so it matters where you check.
Who is selected, which companies are paying, what the text message looks like, and how do you protect yourself?
This guide answers each question, and it also covers what the government has not yet said.
NERSI at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) |
| Run by | Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction |
| Announced by | Minister Bernard Doro, in a statement dated 30 October 2026 |
| Amount | ₦50,000, described in the minister’s statement as monthly |
| How it is paid | Into a bank account or mobile wallet, through licensed digital financial service providers |
| Cost to beneficiaries | Free. No application, fee or agent |
| Official page | fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi |
| Programme help line | 0700-022-2222 |
What Is NERSI?
NERSI is a federal cash relief programme for poor and vulnerable households. The ministry says it is a grant, not a loan, so beneficiaries do not repay it. It sits alongside the government’s existing social protection schemes and does not replace them, according to the minister.
The government has said it will review the ₦50,000 figure from time to time as living costs change, and that beneficiaries will be told before any adjustment takes effect.
Starting Date
The minister announced on Friday, 30 October 2026 that payments had begun. Payments go out in phases, so providers contact beneficiaries in batches and your message may simply not have arrived yet. The statement did not give a date by which the first batch will be complete.
Who Qualifies?
The ministry says beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records, then screened to reach poor and vulnerable households. Several points follow from that:
- You cannot apply, and no one can add you to the list
- Not everyone is in the first group, and the programme supports a limited number of households at a time
- Your phone number comes from the records used to select you
- The ministry says beneficiaries are spread across all six geopolitical zones and chosen on need alone, whatever their religion, ethnic group or political affiliation
The minister’s statement did not set out detailed eligibility criteria, the total number of households expected to benefit, or a completion date for the first batch. Treat any website that lists a fixed set of requirements, or a number of beneficiaries, as unconfirmed.
The Five Approved Payment Providers
| Provider | Type | Code on the ministry’s page |
|---|---|---|
| ALAT (Wema Bank) | Digital bank of a licensed commercial bank | *945*23# |
| MoMo PSB | Licensed Payment Service Bank | *671*0# |
| NairaGram | Digital money transfer service | *726*00# |
| OPay | Licensed mobile money operator | *955*20# or the app |
| Moniepoint | Licensed microfinance bank | *5573*27# or the app |
How the Payment Works, Step by Step
- You receive an SMS from ALAT, MoMo, NairaGram, OPay or Moniepoint saying you have been selected. The message shows the code to dial to accept.
- Accept by dialling the code and following the steps for your provider. The ministry says nothing is paid without your consent.
- Your wallet is opened and linked to your phone number and National Identification Number (NIN).
- The ₦50,000 is credited, and you receive an SMS to confirm it.
- Cash out through a POS agent, a bank, or spend from your wallet. You can withdraw all or part of it, and you can transfer it to any bank account.
A basic phone is enough, because the USSD codes work without internet. OPay says eligible customers may also see a pop-up on the app’s home page, and that customers who do not see one are not selected, since OPay does not decide who is eligible.
How to Check Your Status
- Wait for the SMS from one of the five providers
- Or dial your provider’s code and choose “Check eligibility”
- If you are not on the list, the ministry says you will see: “You are currently not selected to receive this relief support”
Not being selected now does not necessarily mean you were left out for good. Payments are phased, and the ministry says no one can speed up or change selection.
Required Documents and Preparations
There are no documents to submit. You do need:
- An active SIM and phone number
- A NIN linked to that phone number, since the wallet is opened using your phone number and NIN
- Your own phone, because the money is paid to your phone number and only you can access it
A trusted relative may help you dial the code, but you should always enter your PIN yourself and never hand over your phone, PIN or OTP. No one can collect the money for you.
Cashing Out and Fees
Receiving the payment and replying to programme messages are free, and the full ₦50,000 goes into your wallet with nothing deducted. A POS agent may charge their usual withdrawal fee, so ask what it is before you withdraw.
What the Government Has Not Said
Several details remain open. The statement did not publish detailed eligibility criteria or the number of households in the programme, and the ministry’s page does not state how many monthly payments each household will receive. Check with your provider how many payments to expect rather than assuming.
The programme has drawn public discussion. ActionAid Nigeria has called for transparency over the scheme, and some commentary has noted that the launch comes as the 2027 general election draws closer. The ministry says selection is based on need alone, and it says an independent verification agent confirms that each payment reaches the right person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the FG’s ₦50,000 relief payment real?
Yes. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction announced it on 30 October 2026, and the ministry has a dedicated NERSI page at fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi.
How do I apply for NERSI?
You cannot. Beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records, and no one can add you for a fee or a favour.
How will I know if I have been selected?
You will receive an SMS from ALAT, MoMo, NairaGram, OPay or Moniepoint. You can also dial your provider’s code and choose “Check eligibility”.
Is the payment monthly?
The minister’s statement describes it as ₦50,000 monthly. The ministry’s page speaks of ₦50,000 support paid in phases, so confirm the number of payments with your provider.
Do I need a smartphone or data?
No. The USSD codes work on a basic phone without internet.
Do I have to repay it?
No. The ministry says it is a grant, not a loan.
Is there a fee?
No fee for receiving it. A POS agent may charge their usual withdrawal fee when you cash out.
Who do I call if someone asks me for money?
Call the NERSI help line, 0700-022-2222, and report the request to your provider.
Conclusion
NERSI is a genuine federal relief programme, but it works only through selection, and a small group of five providers sends the notification.
If you receive an SMS from one of them, follow the steps on the ministry’s page. If you do not, there is nothing to apply for, and anyone offering a place for a fee is a scammer.
Bookmark this page, share it with relatives who may not know the rules, and check back as the ministry publishes more details.
