Yes, the ₦50,000 Federal Government relief is real. It is called NERSI, the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention. The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction announced it on 30 October 2026 and runs an official page for it at fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi.
But many of the messages going round about it are fake. This guide shows you how to tell the difference in one minute.
What NERSI is
- A free cash transfer of ₦50,000 for poor and vulnerable Nigerian households (the Minister’s statement says monthly).
- It is not a loan. You do not pay it back.
- It is paid into a mobile wallet linked to your phone number and NIN.
- It is run by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
Can I apply?
No. There is no application form, no registration and no agent. The Federal Government selects people from verified national identity records and the National Social Register. If you are selected, you are contacted. Anyone who says they can “add you to the list” is lying.
How real beneficiaries are contacted
- You get an SMS from one of five approved providers: ALAT (Wema Bank), MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay or Moniepoint.
- You reply YES to give consent. Nothing is paid without it.
- A wallet is opened, linked to your phone number and NIN.
- ₦50,000 is credited. You cash out at a POS agent or bank, or spend from the wallet.
To check or collect, dial your provider’s code: ALAT *945*23#, MoMo *671*0#, NairaGram *726*00#, OPay *955*20#, Moniepoint *5573*27#.
Is your message real? Check three things
- It comes from ALAT, MoMo, NairaGram, OPay or Moniepoint, and no one else.
- It only asks you to reply YES or dial your provider’s code.
- It never asks for money, your PIN, your OTP, or for you to click a link or download an app.
If any one of these is not true, do not reply. Call the official NERSI help line first: 0700-022-2222.
Signs it is a scam
- Someone asks you to pay a fee to “register”, “unlock” or “release” your money.
- Someone calls asking for your PIN, OTP or password.
- You get a link or are told to download an app to claim the money.
- A WhatsApp message says “forward this to 10 groups to get ₦50,000”.
- Someone says your payment was a mistake and asks you to send it back.
- Someone promises they can add you to the list for a fee.
The programme is free. Nobody needs your PIN or OTP, not even an official.
I was not selected. What else can I get?
NERSI only reaches some households, and not everyone is in the first group. If you run a business, there are other real programmes you can apply for yourself, such as low-interest loans and grants. Take the free 2-minute eligibility check to see the ones you qualify for, or browse open funding. Every link on GrantPilot is checked daily.
Quick answers
- Is it real? Yes. Official page: fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi.
- How much? ₦50,000.
- How do I apply? You can’t. Selected people get an SMS.
- Does it cost anything? No. It is free.
- Who do I call? 0700-022-2222.
See the NERSI listing on GrantPilot for updates. Sources: NERSI official page and the Minister’s statement of 30 October 2026.
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