NERSI 50k: How Vulnerable Nigerians Can Check Eligibility and Receive the Federal Government Grant

The Federal Government launched NERSI 50k support to help poor and vulnerable households manage rising living costs. Selected people receive ₦50,000 directly into a mobile wallet. No one applies, pays a fee, or visits an office.

Payments go out in phases across Nigeria. You either receive an official SMS or you can check with a simple code. Everything is free. You do not repay the money.

This guide covers selection, the exact steps to check and accept, provider codes, and how to stay safe from fraudsters.

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What Is the NERSI 50k Grant?

NERSI stands for National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention. The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction runs it as a presidential programme.

It targets households already identified as poor or vulnerable. The goal is quick, direct cash support without middlemen.

Official information is on the ministry site at fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi/. Call the programme helpline on 0700-022-2222 if you need help.

Three licensed providers handle the money: ALAT by Wema Bank, MoMo PSB (MTN), and NairaGram.

Who Qualifies for NERSI 50k Support?

Beneficiaries come from the National Social Register and verified national identity records. Screening focuses on poor and vulnerable households.

Selection covers all six geopolitical zones. Need is the only criterion. Religion, ethnicity, or politics does not matter.

• You cannot apply or pay anyone to be added.
• No agent can put your name on the list.
• Not every eligible household is contacted in the first phase.
• Your phone number and NIN from existing records are used only for this programme.

If your records show you qualify and you are in the current batch, you will be contacted. Otherwise you will not.

ALSO APPLY: other current Federal Government social support programmes

How Beneficiaries Are Selected

The ministry pulls names from existing verified data. An independent verification agent checks that payments reach the right people.

You get an SMS only if you have been selected. The message comes from ALAT, MoMo, or NairaGram. It tells you the amount is free and gives the code to dial.

Example SMS: “Relief! FGN has selected you to receive ₦50,000 under NERSI to help with living costs. This is FREE. Enq? Call 07000222222. Dial *945*23# to accept.”

You can also dial the provider code and choose the “Check eligibility” option. If you are not selected you will see a clear message that you are currently not on the list.

Payments move in phases. Some people receive their SMS later than others. Waiting does not mean you were excluded forever.

Step-by-Step: How to Check and Accept Your NERSI 50k

Use any basic phone. You do not need a smartphone or data.

1. Watch for an SMS from ALAT, MoMo PSB, or NairaGram.
2. Confirm the message only asks you to reply YES or dial a code. It never asks for money, PIN, OTP, or BVN.
3. Dial the code or reply YES to give consent. Nothing is paid until you accept.
4. Your wallet opens and links to your phone number and NIN. ₦50,000 is credited.
5. You receive a confirmation SMS. Dial the same code later to check your balance.

Accept as soon as you can. Providers send reminders.

Provider USSD Codes to Check or Accept

Choose “Check eligibility” if you have not received an SMS yet. Dial from the phone number linked to your records.

Is the NERSI 50k a Loan or Free Grant?

It is a grant. You do not pay it back. The full ₦50,000 enters your wallet with nothing deducted.

Accepting the SMS, receiving the money, and checking status are free. POS agents may charge their normal cash-out fee. Ask the fee before you withdraw. Report anyone who demands extra money.

Monthly or One-Off? What Official Sources Say

There is a clear difference in official wording.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, stated in the 30 October 2026 announcement that eligible beneficiaries will receive ₦50,000 monthly. The amount will be reviewed as living costs change, with notice given before any adjustment.

The official NERSI programme page and FAQ describe it as a one-off support of ₦50,000 into a mobile wallet. Further support, if any, would be announced separately through official channels.

As of early November 2026 the ministry has not publicly reconciled the two statements. Treat the current payment as confirmed at ₦50,000 and verify any claim of recurring payments against the official site or the helpline.

How to Withdraw or Use the Money

Once credited you can:

• Withdraw cash at a POS agent or bank.
• Transfer part or all of it to any bank account.
• Spend directly from the wallet where the provider allows.
• Leave the balance in the wallet and withdraw later.

For ALAT you can dial *945*23*Account Number*Amount# from your registered phone. MoMo and NairaGram have their own transfer menus. Always enter your PIN yourself. Never hand your phone or PIN to anyone else.

Stay Safe: NERSI Scam Warnings

The programme is free. Nobody can sell you a place on the list or speed up payment.

• Genuine messages come only from ALAT, MoMo PSB, or NairaGram.
• They never ask for PIN, OTP, BVN, or money.
• They never contain links or tell you to download an unknown app.
• Ignore WhatsApp chain messages that promise money if you forward them.
• If anything feels wrong, stop and call 0700-022-2222 before you act.

Provider help lines:

• ALAT by Wema: 0803 900 3700
• MoMo PSB: 671 or 0803 106 7100
• NairaGram: 0201 330 0880 or 0201 330 0881

ALSO READ: How the National Social Register works

What to Do If You Have Not Received an SMS

Dial one of the provider codes and select the eligibility check. You will see whether you are currently selected.

If the message says you are not selected, you are not in this phase. No one can add you. Keep using your normal phone number and NIN records. Future phases may include more households.

Conclusion

The NERSI 50k grant puts money directly into the hands of selected poor and vulnerable households. Check with the official USSD codes, accept only genuine provider messages, and never pay anyone.

For the latest updates visit fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi/ or call 0700-022-2222. Share this information only with people who need it, and report any attempt to charge fees.

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