Got SMS for FG NERSI N50,000 relief? Don't dial wrong code. Only 5 approved platforms: OPay, Moniepoint, MoMo, Wema ALAT, NairaGram. Check correct USSD for your platform. No application, no fee. Never share PIN or OTP. Helpline 0700-022-2222.
Received an SMS concerning the Federal Government's N50,000 NERSI relief payment? Your next step may depend on the payment platform specified in your message.
The Federal Government has commenced the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), a presidential initiative to give N50,000 monthly cash support to vulnerable households.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, announced the commencement on 30th October 2026, according to Punch and Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Imo Media Hub explains how selected Nigerians should correctly accept their payment - and how to avoid scammers.
Important: Not Everybody Will Get It
This is NOT open registration. You cannot apply to be added.
Beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records. Only poor and vulnerable households selected by government will receive SMS.
If you did NOT receive an SMS from an approved provider, or you do NOT see a pop-up in your app, you are NOT eligible for now. Dialling a code does not automatically qualify you.
Do not pay any agent who promises to add your name. It is scam.
Supported Platforms And CORRECT USSD Codes
Before dialling any code:
1. Check the payment platform in your SMS.
2. Use ONLY the USSD code corresponding to that platform.
3. Do NOT use another platform's code.
Here are the 5 approved providers and their CORRECT USSD codes, as released by FG:
| Provider | Correct USSD Code | What To Do |
| --- | --- | --- |
| OPay | *955*20# | Dial code OR check pop-up on OPay app homepage |
| Moniepoint | *557*327# | Dial code to check eligibility |
| MoMo PSB (MTN) | *671*0# | Dial code to process |
| ALAT by Wema Bank | *945*23# | Dial code OR use ALAT app |
| NairaGram | *726*00# | Dial code to process |
If your SMS says OPay, dial *955*20# only. If it says Moniepoint, dial *557*327# only. Do not mix codes.
How To Accept Your N50,000 Payment - Step By Step
1. Read your SMS carefully: Genuine SMS will come from your approved provider, not from a personal phone number. It will ask for your consent.
2. For OPay users: Eligible customers will see a pop-up notification on their OPay app homepage. Click the pop-up and follow steps. You can also dial *955*20#.
3. For other providers: Dial the USSD code for your platform as listed above.
4. Give consent: Reply YES or follow the prompt to accept the support. For some, short code 2684: Reply YES.
5. Wait for credit: Once consent is given, N50,000 will be credited directly to your account or mobile wallet. No deduction.
6. Do NOT click any link in SMS unless it is from official provider. Fake links steal your money.
WARNING: NEVER Share Your PIN or OTP - It's FREE!
This is the most important part:
- Never share your PIN or OTP with anyone. OPay, Moniepoint, MoMo, Wema, NairaGram will NEVER ask for your PIN or OTP to process NERSI payment.
- Don't pay anyone. It's FREE! No application fee, no registration fee, no activation fee.
- Don't share your BVN with anyone claiming to help you.
- Don't click unverified links forwarded on WhatsApp.
- Don't give your phone to any agent to "help you dial code".
If anyone asks you to pay N2,000, N5,000, N10,000 to "unlock" your N50,000, run! It is fraud.
What If You Are Unsure?
If you are confused about any SMS you received, contact official NERSI helpline immediately:
NERSI Helpline: 0700-022-2222
Official website: www.fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi
Do not call numbers sent to you in suspicious SMS. Only use 0700-022-2222.
What If You Did Not Get SMS?
Do not panic. The programme is being rolled out in batches. If you are in National Social Register, you may get yours in next batch.
Keep your phone number linked to your NIN active. Do not change SIM.
Imo Media Hub will update you when new batches are released.
Share this to save your family from scammers. Many people have already lost money to fake NERSI agents.
This report originally appeared on Imo Media Hub - www.imomediahub.org - Your No.1 Portal for Imo News and Money. Sources: Punch, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, OPay, Moniepoint.
