The Federal Government has begun sending text messages to selected beneficiaries of the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), asking them to accept cash support through partner financial institutions.
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Screenshots of messages from Wema Bank, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, and short code 2684, show recipients being informed of a FGN ₦20,000 payment to help with rising living costs.
The messages ask beneficiaries to accept the support by dialling a USSD code or replying YES, depending on the provider. They also provide a helpline for enquiries.
The development follows the Federal Government’s announcement of NERSI, a humanitarian cash support programme for poor and vulnerable households. The programme’s official website states that beneficiaries will receive ₦50,000 through mobile wallets, with no fees or middlemen.
However, the messages currently circulating mention ₦20,000, rather than the ₦50,000 announced by the government. This suggests that the amount may be part of an initial payment, with further payment batches expected. The government has not confirmed through the information provided here whether the remaining amount will be paid in another batch.
Beneficiaries should therefore rely on official communication for confirmation of the payment amount and any subsequent disbursement.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with ALAT, MoMo and NairaGram. Selected beneficiaries are expected to receive messages from the participating providers, with consent required before payment is made.
How to accept payment
Beneficiaries who receive a genuine NERSI message should follow the acceptance instructions provided by their financial service provider.
- Wema Bank (ALAT): Dial *945*23#.
- MoMo PSB: Dial *671*0#.
- NairaGram: Dial *726*00#
- 2684: Reply YES to the SMS message received to accept.
For enquiries, call the NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222. Do not pay anyone to receive the support.
Official programme information is available at https://www.fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi/.
