The Federal Government has commenced the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention, NERSI, providing ₦50,000 monthly financial support to eligible poor and vulnerable households across Nigeria.
The programme, announced by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, on October 30, 2026, is designed to help millions of vulnerable Nigerians cope with rising food prices and the increasing cost of essential goods.
Under the initiative, selected beneficiaries will receive ₦50,000 directly into their mobile wallets through five approved financial service providers.
Nigerians can check their eligibility using the following USSD codes:
ALAT by Wema Bank: Dial 94523#.
MTN MoMo PSB: Dial 6710#.
NairaGram: Dial 72600#.
OPay: Dial 95520#.
Moniepoint: Dial 557327#.
After dialling the appropriate code, follow the instructions and select the eligibility-check option.
However, the Federal Government has clarified that not every Nigerian will qualify for the intervention.
Beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records, with priority given to poor and vulnerable households.
Importantly, there is no application form, registration fee or payment required to become a beneficiary.
Those selected will receive an official SMS from their designated payment provider requesting their consent before the ₦50,000 is credited.
The government is also warning Nigerians to beware of fraudsters who may demand money in exchange for access to the relief fund.
No legitimate government official or payment provider will request your PIN, One-Time Password or BVN to release the money.
For enquiries and complaints, Nigerians can contact the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.
Further information is available on the programme’s official website: fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi/.
The Federal Government says the intervention will be implemented in phases, meaning eligible Nigerians who have not received notifications may not necessarily have been excluded permanently.
Remember: The programme is free. Do not pay anyone to secure your ₦50,000.
