Nigerians who have yet to receive text messages about the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 relief programme may still be contacted, as authorities have explained that beneficiaries are being notified in phases.
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction said the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) is designed to provide financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households struggling with the rising cost of living.
According to the ministry, selected beneficiaries will receive SMS notifications from authorised financial service providers informing them of their eligibility and explaining how to accept the support.
However, the government clarified that not everyone will receive a notification at the same time, as the programme supports a limited number of households during each phase.
This means that Nigerians who have not received messages should not automatically assume that they have been permanently excluded.
Nevertheless, the ministry also warned that not everyone will qualify for the intervention.
Why some Nigerians have not received NERSI payment SMS
The Federal Government identified two possible explanations for the absence of payment notifications.
First, the programme is being implemented in phases, with approved financial service providers contacting selected beneficiaries in batches.
This means that some eligible individuals may receive their messages earlier than others.
Second, the intervention supports a limited number of households at a time, meaning not every Nigerian will be selected during the current phase.
The ministry explained that beneficiaries are identified using the National Social Register and verified national identity records.
The records are screened using established poverty and vulnerability criteria to determine who qualifies for the assistance.
Consequently, possessing a National Identification Number or being a customer of an approved financial service provider does not automatically guarantee selection.
The government has also not published a comprehensive timetable showing when each state or community will receive payment notifications.
How to check if FG has selected you for ₦50,000
According to the ministry, Nigerians who have not received SMS notifications can use the approved payment providers’ USSD services to check their eligibility.
The five authorised providers are ALAT by Wema Bank, MoMo Payment Service Bank, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
Their designated codes are:
| Provider | NERSI USSD code |
|---|---|
| ALAT by Wema Bank | *945*23# |
| MoMo PSB | *671*0# |
| NairaGram | *726*00# |
| OPay | *955*20# |
| Moniepoint | *5573*27# |
The ministry explained that individuals can dial the relevant code and select the Check eligibility option.
The service will indicate whether they have been selected for the relief support.
Those who are currently ineligible will receive a response stating that they have not been selected.
However, the government has not guaranteed that individuals who are currently excluded will automatically qualify during subsequent phases.
Does receiving no SMS mean you have been rejected?
The ministry explained that the absence of a notification does not necessarily mean an individual has been rejected.
This is because approved financial service providers are contacting selected beneficiaries in batches.
An individual may therefore have been selected but may not yet have received the relevant message.
However, another person may not meet the programme’s eligibility requirements or may not have been included in the current phase.
The government advised Nigerians to use the designated eligibility-checking services rather than relying on rumours or unofficial announcements.
It also warned against assuming that a neighbour’s receipt of payment means everyone in the same community is automatically entitled to the grant.
According to the ministry, beneficiary selection is based on need and verified government records rather than geographical proximity.
Can Nigerians apply if they have not received the ₦50,000?
The Federal Government has clarified that NERSI does not operate a public application or registration process.
This means that individuals who have not received notifications cannot secure selection by filling out online forms or paying registration agents.
The ministry explained that no politician, government official or third party can add someone to the beneficiary list.
It also warned that individuals claiming they can accelerate payments in exchange for money are attempting to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
The programme is intended to provide direct financial assistance without intermediaries.
Selected beneficiaries will be contacted through their designated payment providers and instructed on how to accept the grant.
Once consent is provided, the ₦50,000 will be credited to their mobile wallets.
What if you received an SMS but the money has not arrived?
The ministry explained that selected beneficiaries must first accept the financial support before payment can be processed.
Recipients should follow the instructions contained in their official SMS notifications.
This may involve replying YES or dialling the designated USSD code provided by their financial service provider.
After completing the acceptance process, beneficiaries should receive another notification confirming that their wallets have been credited.
Those who have accepted the grant but have not received confirmation should contact their designated payment providers.
The ministry advised individuals experiencing technical difficulties to check their network connections and retry the relevant USSD service.
If the problem persists, they should contact their provider’s official customer service channels.
FG warns against paying agents to fast-track NERSI payment
The government has warned Nigerians against individuals claiming they can speed up the release of the ₦50,000 grant.
According to the ministry, the beneficiary selection process is automated and cannot be influenced by intermediaries.
It also stressed that accepting and receiving the support are free.
Nigerians should therefore disregard requests for processing fees, registration payments or other charges allegedly required to unlock their grants.
The ministry has provided 0700-022-2222 as the official NERSI helpline for enquiries and complaints.
Further information is available on the official NERSI programme website.
Although the government has outlined its phased payment arrangement, it has not provided a comprehensive public breakdown showing how many beneficiaries have received the ₦50,000 across the country.
For now, Nigerians who have not received notifications are advised to check their eligibility through authorised channels and avoid individuals promising guaranteed selection.