Nigerians expecting the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 relief payment have been warned to avoid suspicious text messages containing website links, as the authorities clarify how genuine beneficiaries are contacted.
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction says official notifications under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) do not contain links directing recipients to websites to claim their money.
Instead, selected beneficiaries receive messages from approved financial service providers containing instructions on how to accept the grant.
The clarification is particularly important as Nigerians search for information about eligibility, payment procedures and how to access the financial assistance.
According to the ministry, genuine NERSI messages never ask beneficiaries to click a link, pay money or disclose confidential banking information.
How to identify genuine NERSI payment SMS
The ministry says beneficiaries will receive notifications from one of five authorised payment providers.
These are ALAT by Wema Bank, MoMo Payment Service Bank, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
The messages inform selected individuals that they have been identified for the ₦50,000 grant and explain the acceptance process.
Depending on the provider, beneficiaries may be required to reply YES or dial a designated USSD code.
The ministry says the process does not require recipients to visit unfamiliar websites.
Its detailed FAQ specifically states that genuine programme messages do not contain links.
The government also advises beneficiaries to verify suspicious communications through their designated payment providers.
Why a NERSI message containing a link should raise suspicion
A message claiming to offer government financial assistance may appear convincing, particularly when it includes official-looking logos or references to familiar financial institutions.
However, the presence of a website link is an important warning sign under the ministry’s published NERSI procedures.
Fraudsters may use such links to direct recipients to imitation websites designed to collect personal information.
Some websites may request bank account details, identity information or confidential security credentials.
Others may demand payment before a supposed grant can be released.
These requests are inconsistent with the government’s instructions.
The ministry says NERSI is free and that no registration or processing fee is required.
Beneficiaries should therefore avoid entering sensitive information on websites promoted through unsolicited messages.
Can you register for NERSI through WhatsApp?
No public registration process has been announced for NERSI.
The ministry says beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records.
Selection is based on poverty and vulnerability criteria, with the programme covering all six geopolitical zones.
Consequently, forwarding a WhatsApp message does not make anyone eligible.
The ministry specifically warns against chain messages promising payments to people who share them with friends or join particular groups.
It also says no agent can add a person to the beneficiary list or accelerate payment.
Nigerians should therefore be cautious about messages encouraging them to forward a supposed NERSI registration link to several contacts.
Such instructions do not form part of the official selection process.
What if you have already clicked a suspicious NERSI link?
Clicking an unfamiliar link does not necessarily mean that money has been stolen or an account compromised.
However, the risk increases if the recipient enters confidential information, downloads an unfamiliar application or authorises a transaction.
Anyone who has disclosed a banking PIN, password or one-time password should contact the relevant financial institution immediately.
The institution may advise the customer to reset credentials, secure the account or take additional protective measures.
People who have downloaded unfamiliar applications should also review their phone’s security and seek technical assistance where necessary.
Suspicious messages can be reported to the relevant payment provider.
The ministry’s NERSI helpline is 0700-022-2222.
Does NERSI require beneficiaries to download an app?
The government says beneficiaries can use USSD services without a smartphone or internet connection.
This means downloading an application is not a general requirement for accepting the grant.
However, customers who already use an authorised provider’s official mobile application may have access to additional account services.
The ministry advises people to use only genuine applications obtained through official channels.
Recipients should not install applications sent through unfamiliar links or messaging groups.
The safest approach is to follow the instructions provided by the designated financial institution and independently verify anything unusual.
Where to confirm NERSI messages
Nigerians who receive suspicious notifications can consult the official NERSI website for programme information.
They can also contact their designated payment provider or call the programme helpline.
The ministry has emphasised that beneficiaries must never disclose their PINs, one-time passwords or Bank Verification Numbers to callers claiming to facilitate payment.
For Nigerians hoping to receive the grant, the message is straightforward: a supposed NERSI SMS containing a claim link should not be treated as genuine without independent verification.