The Federal Government has explained how Nigerians will be selected for its ₦50,000 cash relief programme, disclosing that beneficiaries will be identified through existing national identity records and the National Social Register rather than through fresh applications.
The clarification is expected to address growing concerns among Nigerians over who qualifies for the financial assistance, how beneficiaries are identified and whether interested citizens need to register online to receive the money.
The programme, known as the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), is a Federal Government initiative designed to provide financial support to poor and vulnerable households struggling with rising food prices and the increasing cost of essential goods.
According to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, beneficiaries will be selected using verified national identity records and information contained in the National Social Register.
The ministry explained that the records will undergo further screening to identify households considered poor and vulnerable enough to qualify for the intervention. Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs +1
How FG will select beneficiaries
The selection process will rely on two major databases:
1. National Identification Number (NIN)
The government will use verified national identity records maintained through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to establish beneficiaries’ identities.
2. National Social Register (NSR)
This is a database containing information about poor and vulnerable households across Nigeria.
According to information reported by PUNCH, the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) says the register contains data on more than 70 million individuals.
The registration process involves identifying vulnerable communities, working with residents and community leaders to identify poor households, registering them digitally and assessing their economic circumstances using poverty indicators.
Households ranked within the bottom six deciles may qualify for inclusion in the National Beneficiary Register, which supports government cash-transfer interventions.
However, the government has not published the complete, specific screening formula for determining the final NERSI beneficiaries. Punch Newspapers +1
Five important things Nigerians should know
- No online application: Nigerians do not need to fill out a fresh application form to qualify.
- No registration fees: Nobody is authorised to collect money to secure a place on the beneficiary list.
- Not everybody will receive the money immediately: The intervention is being implemented in phases.
- Selection is based on need: Beneficiaries are expected to come from all six geopolitical zones, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
- ₦50,000 is a grant: Selected beneficiaries are not expected to repay the money. Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs +1
How will successful beneficiaries receive the ₦50,000?
The Federal Government says selected beneficiaries will receive SMS notifications through any of its five approved payment providers:
| Payment provider | USSD code |
|---|---|
| ALAT by Wema Bank | 94523# |
| MoMo PSB | 6710# |
| NairaGram | 72600# |
| OPay | 95520# |
| Moniepoint | 557327# |
After receiving the notification, beneficiaries are expected to give their consent by following the instructions provided by their payment provider.
The money will subsequently be credited to their mobile wallets, which are linked to their registered phone numbers and NINs.
Importantly, Nigerians do not need smartphones or internet access to use the USSD services. Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs +1
Can Nigerians check whether they have been selected?
Yes. The programme’s official information portal says individuals can use the USSD code of an approved payment provider and select the eligibility-check option.
However, having a NIN or being listed in the National Social Register does not automatically guarantee immediate selection.
The government has emphasised that payments are being made in batches and that some eligible households may not be included in the initial phase.
FG warns Nigerians against fraudsters
The Federal Government has warned citizens to be careful of individuals claiming they can facilitate their selection or secure payment in exchange for money.
The ministry stressed that beneficiaries are not required to pay registration, processing or activation fees.
It also warned Nigerians never to disclose their bank PINs, One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or other confidential security information to anyone.
Anyone seeking clarification or assistance can contact the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222. Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs +1
What Nigerians should understand
Although the N50,000 intervention offers financial relief to vulnerable households, the important point is that there is no public application portal through which everyone can independently apply for the money.
The government is relying on existing national databases to identify beneficiaries, with additional screening based on vulnerability.
The exact criteria used in the final selection have not been fully disclosed, so possession of a NIN alone should not be interpreted as confirmation of eligibility.
Official information: [Federal Government NERSI portal](https://fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi/?utm
