Nigerians selected for the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 relief grant have been warned against allowing other people to take control of their payments, even when those individuals are relatives or acquaintances.
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has clarified that the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) pays beneficiaries through mobile wallets linked to their registered phone numbers.
According to the official NERSI FAQ, the money is intended to be accessed by the selected beneficiary.
However, the government allows trusted family members to assist individuals who need help dialling the relevant USSD code.
The distinction is particularly important for elderly beneficiaries and people unfamiliar with mobile banking.
Can another person collect the ₦50,000 grant?
The official FAQ answers this question in the negative.
It explains that the grant is paid to the beneficiary’s phone number and should be accessed by the person selected.
This means a relative, neighbour or agent does not automatically have the right to take control of the money.
The payment arrangement is designed to ensure that support reaches the intended recipient.
The government also says payments are subject to independent verification.
Can children help elderly parents receive the grant?
Yes, but the assistance must be limited.
The ministry says a trusted family member may help a beneficiary dial the relevant code.
For example, an elderly parent who has difficulty navigating a USSD menu may ask an adult child to explain the steps.
However, the beneficiary should personally enter any required security PIN.
The government specifically advises recipients not to hand over their phones, PINs or OTPs.
This means assistance with the process should not become control over the account.
Why does NERSI insist on personal access?
The programme uses a consent-based payment system.
Selected beneficiaries must authorise payment before the money is released.
After consent, the provider opens a wallet linked to the person’s verified identity details.
The arrangement is intended to ensure that the money reaches the correct individual.
Allowing another person to control the wallet could expose the beneficiary to unauthorised transfers or fraud.
This risk may be particularly serious for people who are unfamiliar with digital financial services.
What if the beneficiary cannot operate a phone?
The official guidance permits assistance from a trusted family member but does not provide a comprehensive alternative collection procedure for beneficiaries who cannot personally operate the account.
For example, the FAQ does not establish a general proxy-withdrawal system allowing relatives to collect grants simply by presenting identification documents.
Affected families should therefore seek clarification from the designated provider or NERSI support line.
They should not assume that possession of the beneficiary’s phone automatically authorises another person to withdraw the money.
Can beneficiaries give their PINs to POS agents?
No.
The government warns that beneficiaries should never disclose PINs, OTPs or passwords.
This instruction applies even when an agent claims to be helping with payment.
A legitimate withdrawal or transfer should be completed through the provider’s authorised process.
Beneficiaries should review transaction details before confirming any payment.
They should also avoid allowing strangers to operate their phones without supervision.
What if someone has already taken control of the wallet?
A beneficiary who suspects unauthorised access should contact the payment provider immediately.
The provider can advise on available account-protection measures.
The government also recommends contacting providers when phones or SIM cards are lost.
Where a SIM is missing, the beneficiary should arrange a replacement with the same number through the mobile network operator.
The FAQ says the money remains in the wallet when the phone or SIM is lost.
Can beneficiaries transfer money to family members voluntarily?
Yes.
The government allows beneficiaries to transfer funds to other bank accounts.
This is different from allowing someone else to assume control of the grant.
For example, a recipient may decide to send part of the money to a family member.
However, the transfer should be authorised by the beneficiary.
The decision should not be made by an agent or relative acting without permission.
What should beneficiaries remember?
The government says NERSI payments are free and do not require middlemen.
No person can demand a share of the grant as a condition for releasing it.
Beneficiaries who need assistance can contact their designated payment providers or the NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.
The central rule is that family members may help beneficiaries navigate the payment process, but they should not take control of the wallet or obtain the beneficiary’s security credentials.