Many Nigerians have been asking questions about the Federal Government N50,000 grant. Some people call it the NASSI grant, but the correct name is NERSI - National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention.
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction announced it on October 30, 2026 to help poor and vulnerable households affected by the high cost of living.
This is a news update to explain everything clearly.
1. WHAT IS THE NERSI GRANT?
NERSI is a Federal Government relief programme. It is not a loan. It is a grant, which means beneficiaries will not pay it back.
Each selected beneficiary will receive N50,000 in full, with no deduction.
2. WHO WILL QUALIFY?
Not everybody will receive it.
You will qualify only if you belong to a poor or vulnerable household. The Government is selecting beneficiaries from:
- The National Social Register
- Verified national identity records
Selection is automatic, based on poverty and vulnerability. No individual, politician, or agent can add your name.
It covers all 36 states and the FCT, across all 6 geopolitical zones.
3. HOW TO RECEIVE THE MONEY - NO APPLICATION
Please note: There is no application form. There is no registration link.
If you are selected, you will receive an SMS from one of these 5 approved payment providers:
- ALAT by Wema Bank - *945*23#
- MoMo PSB (MTN) - *671*0#
- NairaGram - *726*00#
- OPay - *955*20#
- Moniepoint - *5573*27#
How it works:
1. You will receive an SMS from the provider
2. Dial the USSD code for that provider with the phone number they have for you
3. Follow the instructions and reply YES to give your consent
4. The provider will open a mobile wallet for you and credit your N50,000
Without your consent, no payment will be made.
Payments are being made in batches. If you have not received an SMS yet, it does not mean you have failed. The payments are being done in phases.
4. WARNING: SCAMMERS ARE EVERYWHERE
Fake WhatsApp messages are circulating with links like "click to apply for N50,000 grant". These are scams.
The Government has stated that:
- Never pay anybody to receive the grant. It is FREE.
- Never share your PIN, OTP, or BVN with anybody.
- Never click any WhatsApp link to apply. The Government has no application link.
- A genuine message will only come from ALAT, MoMo, NairaGram, OPay or Moniepoint.
If anybody asks you for money to help you receive it, that person is a fraudster.
5. WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECEIVE A SUSPICIOUS MESSAGE
If you receive a fake message or call, do not reply. Call the NERSI official helpline: 0700-022-2222
Or check the official portal: fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi
CONCLUSION
The NERSI grant is real. But it is not for everybody, and it has no application process.
If you are selected, you will receive an SMS. If you are not selected, no agent can help you.
Please share this update to save someone from scammers.
Have you received the SMS or are you still waiting? Tell us in the comments.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. We do not process applications and we do not collect money for the grant.
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