NERSI ₦50,000 monthly relief: can you apply, and how payment works

Updated 4 November 2026

The National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) pays ₦50,000 a month to poor and vulnerable Nigerians. The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction announced its start on 30 October 2026. The short answer to the most common question: there is no application form. According to the ministry, beneficiaries do not need to apply, pay any fee or register through any agent.

What you need

• A working phone line registered in your name, matching the number in your NIN record
• Your National Identification Number (NIN), since wallets are linked to your phone number and NIN, according to the programme's official website

Steps

1. Know how people are picked. According to the ministry and the programme's website, beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records, then screened to identify poor and vulnerable households. Selection is based on need, across all six geopolitical zones.
2. Wait for an SMS. If you are selected, you receive a text message from one of the licensed payment providers working with the ministry. The ministry says this message is genuine and asks for your consent.
3. Check the sender. Payment partners named in programme information include ALAT by Wema Bank, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay, Moniepoint and Xpress Payments. Be wary of messages from ordinary phone numbers or with unfamiliar links.
4. Give consent from the same phone line. Follow the instructions in the SMS, usually a USSD code to dial. Once you accept, a mobile wallet is opened and the money is credited, according to the providers.
5. Use the money. The programme's website says beneficiaries can spend from the wallet, transfer, or withdraw through banks or POS agents. USSD works on phones without data.
6. If you have not received an SMS, wait. Payments go out in batches and phases, and not everyone is selected in every phase, according to programme information shared by providers.

Questions people ask

Can I apply or register for NERSI?

No. The ministry says beneficiaries are not required to apply, and the programme's website says there is no application process or registration form. Being on the National Social Register and verified identity records is the route in.

How do I check if I have been selected?

Payment providers say you can dial their eligibility code and choose Check eligibility. Moniepoint's help page lists *945*23# for ALAT by Wema, *671*0# for MoMo PSB, *726*00# for NairaGram and *5573*27# for Moniepoint.

Can an agent or official add my name?

No. Providers say selection is done from official registers, and no agent or third party can add anyone. Anyone asking for money to add you or speed up payment is attempting fraud.

Is there a fee?

No. The ministry says no fee is required. Never share your PIN, BVN or OTP with anyone.

Who do I call if I am unsure?

The ministry lists the NERSI helpline as 0700-022-2222 and says official updates are on the ministry's website.

When will everyone be paid?

The government has not published a timetable for each batch, according to reports. It says payments are made in phases.

Rules, fees and dates can change. Check the official portal or office before you pay or travel.