NERSI Help Line Knowledge Base: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. About the Programme
What is NERSI?
The National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) is a Federal Government relief programme to help households cope with rising living costs. It is run by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
How much money will beneficiaries receive?
Beneficiaries receive a one-off grant of N50,000, paid in full into a mobile wallet. Nothing is deducted.
Is NERSI a loan that needs to be paid back?
No. It is a grant from the Federal Government. You do not need to pay it back.
Will there be additional or recurring payments?
This support is a one-off payment of N50,000. Any further support will be officially announced through Federal Government channels.
Who are the approved payment providers?
The Federal Government has approved three payment providers for NERSI:
- ALAT by Wema: The digital bank of Wema Bank.
- MoMo PSB: A licensed Payment Service Bank.
- NairaGram: A digital money transfer service.
Is the programme restricted to specific states, regions, or groups?
No. Beneficiaries are selected across all six geopolitical zones based on need alone regardless of religion, ethnic group, or political affiliation. Payments are rolled out in phases, so beneficiaries across different zones are contacted at different times.
Are there any fees to participate or receive funds?
No. Accepting and receiving the money is completely free, as is replying to programme SMS messages. You should never pay anyone to receive your payment. If you cash out at a POS agent, the agent may charge their usual standard withdrawal fee, as with any normal transaction.
How were beneficiaries selected and phone numbers obtained?
Beneficiaries were selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records. Phone numbers were retrieved directly from those official records.
Is beneficiary data safe and private?
Yes. Details are protected under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and are shared exclusively with your designated payment provider solely to process your payment. Official representatives will never ask for your PIN, OTP, or BVN.
2. Selection & Eligibility
How do I apply or register for NERSI?
There is no application or registration form. Beneficiaries are selected directly from the National Social Register and verified national identity records. No agent or third party can add anyone to the list.
How do I check if I have been selected?
You can check your eligibility on any mobile phone by dialing your provider's shortcode:
- ALAT by Wema: *945*23#
- MoMo PSB: *671*0#
- NairaGram: *726*00#
Select the Check eligibility option in the menu.
How will I be notified if I am selected?
You will receive an official SMS from ALAT/Wema Bank, MoMo PSB, or NairaGram. The message will include instructions and the code to dial to accept the support.
Why haven't I received an SMS when others in my area have?
Payments are issued in batches and phases across all six geopolitical zones. Your notification SMS may simply be in an upcoming batch. Because the programme supports a limited number of people at a time, not everyone is selected in every phase.
Can an agent or official speed up my payment or add my name to the list?
No. Selection is entirely automated via official registers. Anyone claiming they can add you to the list or expedite your payment especially for a fee is attempting a fraud.
3. Receiving, Accepting & Cash Out
How do I accept the payment after receiving an SMS?
- Dial the provider code shown in your SMS from the phone number that received the message.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to accept.
- Once accepted, your mobile wallet is opened, N50,000 is credited, and a confirmation SMS will be sent.
Do I need a smartphone or internet connection?
No. The USSD shortcodes work on basic (feature) phones without internet or data.
What should I do if I accidentally deleted the notification SMS?
You do not need the original message. Dial any of the service provider shortcodes listed above and select Check eligibility to proceed.
What happens if I select "No" when prompted to accept?
If you select "No", the payment is paused. If you change your mind or pressed "No" by mistake, dial the provider shortcode again and select Yes.
How do I withdraw my money?
- POS Agent: The quickest method is to send the funds from your wallet to a local POS agent using your provider code, and the agent will give you cash.
- Bank Transfer: You can transfer funds directly to any bank account via your provider's code or mobile app.
- Branch/Agent Network: You can cash out at Wema Bank branches (for ALAT) or MoMo/NairaGram agents.
Can I withdraw only part of the money?
Yes. You can withdraw all or part of the N50,000. Any remaining balance stays secure in your mobile wallet.
Can someone else collect the money on my behalf?
No. Payments are linked to your specific phone number and wallet. While a trusted family member can assist you with dialing, always enter your PIN yourself and never share your PIN, OTP, or phone with others.
4. Fraud, Scams & Account Security
What are the main rules for keeping my wallet safe?
- Never share your PIN, OTP, BVN, or passwords with anyone, including call centre agents or government officials.
- Never pay any fee to receive, unlock, or clear your grant.
- Ignore links or unknown app download prompts sent via SMS or WhatsApp, NERSI does not operate via web links or messaging app forwards.
- Disregard chain messages claiming that sharing or forwarding a text will make you eligible.
What should I do if I suspect a scam or share my PIN?
If you shared your PIN/OTP or suspect unauthorized activity on your wallet:
- Contact your provider immediately to lock your wallet or reset credentials.
- Report the scammer's details (phone number, link, or sender name) to the NERSI Help Line at 0700 022 2222.
5. Contact & Support Directory
Help Line Quick Reference