The Federal Government has explained that delays in text message notifications for its N50,000 relief grant are due to the phased distribution of payments, assuring Nigerians that the absence of an immediate notification does not necessarily mean they have been excluded from the programme.
The government said beneficiaries of the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) are being contacted in batches by approved payment providers, meaning some selected recipients may receive their notifications later than others.
According to the programme’s frequently asked questions (FAQs) published on its official website, the government stated that payments are being processed in phases, with notifications sent to beneficiaries at different times.
However, it clarified that not everyone would be selected during the current phase, as the intervention is designed to provide financial support to a limited number of vulnerable households at a time.
Nigerians who wish to confirm their eligibility have been advised to dial the USSD code of their respective payment providers and select the option to check their beneficiary status.
Those who are not currently included in the beneficiary list will receive a notification stating: “You are currently not selected to receive this relief support.”
The government also warned against fraudsters who claim they can secure a place on the beneficiary list or accelerate grant payments in exchange for money.
It stressed that nobody has the authority to add individuals to the list or fast-track their payments, describing anyone demanding money for such services as a fraudster.
The NERSI programme, implemented by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is designed to provide financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerian households struggling with rising living costs.
Under the intervention, selected beneficiaries are entitled to receive ₦50,000 through mobile wallets operated by five approved payment providers: ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
The government explained that beneficiaries were identified through the National Social Register and verified national identity records. It added that individuals cannot independently apply for the grant or pay to secure a place on the beneficiary list.
According to the ministry, selection is based on need, with beneficiaries drawn from all six geopolitical zones, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
Those selected will receive text message notifications from their respective payment providers, containing instructions on how to accept the financial support.
Beneficiaries are required to give their consent through the USSD code provided in the notification before the money can be credited to their mobile wallets.
The government further clarified that the ₦50,000 payment is a grant, not a loan, and recipients are not expected to repay the money.
It also emphasised that accepting the offer, receiving the payment and responding to programme-related text messages are completely free.
The ministry cautioned Nigerians against sharing their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) with anyone claiming to facilitate their payments.
It urged citizens to rely on official communication channels and avoid individuals or platforms requesting money to access the intervention.
For further enquiries about the programme, beneficiaries can contact the NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.
