FG Speaks on ₦50,000 NERSI Relief for Nigerians Not Selected

Nigerians who checked their eligibility for the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) and received the message “You are currently not selected to receive this relief support” have been given an explanation by the government.

The Federal Government says payments are being made in phases, with approved payment providers contacting selected households in batches. This means some beneficiaries may receive their notifications later, even when other people have already received theirs.

However, the government has also made an important clarification: the programme supports a limited number of households at a time. Receiving a “NOT SELECTED” message does not mean that your payment is being processed, and it does not guarantee that you will be included in another batch.

NERSI is a Federal Government relief intervention coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. Selected households receive ₦50,000 through approved mobile payment providers.

If you have not been selected, this article explains what the message means, how to check your status again, the approved USSD codes, how beneficiaries are chosen and what you should avoid doing while waiting for further updates.

Why You Received the NERSI “Not Selected” Message

The NERSI programme does not select every Nigerian who checks their eligibility. Beneficiaries are identified using existing government records rather than an open registration exercise.

According to the programme’s official information, the selection process uses the National Social Register and verified national identity records to identify poor and vulnerable households.

When you dial your payment provider’s USSD code and select the eligibility-check option, the system checks whether your details are included in the beneficiary records available for the intervention.

If the system displays:

“You are currently not selected to receive this relief support.”

It means your details have not been identified as an eligible beneficiary in the current selection available through the programme.

It does not mean that you should pay for another verification, register through an agent or open accounts with all five payment providers.

The government has not announced an individual appeal process through which people can pay or submit a fresh application to secure selection.

FG Explains Why Some Nigerians May Still Receive the ₦50,000 Payment Later

One reason some Nigerians have not received their NERSI notification is that payments are being distributed in phases.

The government says approved payment providers are contacting beneficiaries in batches. Consequently, selected households are not necessarily notified on the same day.

For example, two people may live in the same community and check their eligibility at different times. One may receive a selection notification while the other receives a message saying they are currently not selected.

The programme’s phased payment arrangement means notifications may reach different beneficiaries at different times.

However, there is another side to this clarification.

The Federal Government has stated that NERSI is designed to support a limited number of households at a time. Not everyone who checks their status will qualify for the current phase.

Therefore, Nigerians should understand the difference between these two situations:

Not yet contacted: A selected beneficiary may still be waiting for the payment provider’s notification because beneficiaries are contacted in batches.
Not selected: The eligibility check indicates that the person’s details are not currently on the beneficiary list.

The government has not promised that everyone who receives the second message will eventually be selected.

Who Qualifies for the NERSI ₦50,000 Relief?

NERSI is designed for poor and vulnerable households in Nigeria.

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction coordinates the programme, while beneficiary identification is based on the National Social Register and verified national identity records.

This is different from an empowerment programme where applicants submit forms, business proposals or training certificates for consideration.

For NERSI, individuals cannot independently apply to have their names added to the beneficiary list.

The government has also explained that beneficiaries are drawn from all six geopolitical zones based on need, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

The fact that someone has a bank account, NIN, BVN or mobile wallet does not automatically qualify that person for the ₦50,000 support. These details do not replace the programme’s beneficiary-selection process.

How to Check Your NERSI ₦50,000 Eligibility Again

Nigerians can check their status using the USSD code provided by their approved payment provider.

The official NERSI information lists five payment partners:

Payment provider	USSD code
ALAT by Wema Bank	`94523#`
MoMo PSB	`6710#`
NairaGram	`72600#`
OPay	`95520#`
Moniepoint	`557327#`

To check your eligibility:

Identify the payment provider you want to use.
Dial its listed USSD code from your mobile phone.
Follow the instructions displayed on your screen.
Select the Check eligibility option where available.
Read the response displayed by the system.

Use the code associated with the provider and follow its menu instructions. The code is not proof that you have been selected. You must receive a positive eligibility confirmation before proceeding with acceptance.

The USSD service is designed to work on basic mobile phones, so you do not necessarily need a smartphone or internet connection to check your status.

Official NERSI portal: https://www.fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi/

What Should You Do If You Are Not Selected?

If your eligibility check returns the “NOT SELECTED” message, there is no separate registration form you need to complete to change the result.

The government has not announced a public application process for people who want to add their names to the current beneficiary list.

You should take the following steps:

1. Keep your personal records accurate

Make sure your identification and contact details are accurate wherever they are maintained in the relevant government records.

The programme uses existing records to identify beneficiaries. Incorrect or outdated information can create difficulties when records are being matched.

However, correcting your personal information does not guarantee selection for NERSI.

2. Check the official programme information

Visit the NERSI website for updated information about beneficiary selection, payment arrangements and frequently asked questions.

Use the official address: https://www.fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi/

3. Wait for a genuine notification

If you are selected in a subsequent phase, your approved payment provider will contact you through an official SMS.

The message will contain instructions for accepting the support.

Do not rely on WhatsApp messages, Facebook posts or phone calls from individuals claiming that your name has been approved.

4. Do not register with multiple payment providers to force selection

Opening ALAT, MoMo, NairaGram, OPay or Moniepoint accounts does not place your name on the government beneficiary list.

The payment companies provide the channels through which selected people receive their money. They do not independently approve applicants for NERSI.

5. Contact the NERSI helpdesk if you need clarification

For questions about the intervention, call the official NERSI helpline:

0700-022-2222

Use this number for programme-related enquiries, especially if someone contacts you claiming to have special access to the beneficiary list.

Which Banks and Payment Companies Are Approved for NERSI?

The Federal Government has approved five payment providers to deliver the ₦50,000 relief to selected beneficiaries.

They are:

ALAT by Wema Bank: ALAT is the digital banking service of Wema Bank. Selected beneficiaries can follow the instructions provided through its official payment channel.

MoMo Payment Service Bank (PSB): MoMo PSB provides a mobile payment channel for beneficiaries who are selected under the intervention.

NairaGram: NairaGram is one of the approved services through which NERSI beneficiaries can receive their support.

OPay: Selected beneficiaries can access their payment through the OPay service and follow the instructions provided by the company.

Moniepoint: Moniepoint is also an approved payment provider for the intervention.

These companies are responsible for delivering the payment to selected recipients. They do not have authority to sell places on the government beneficiary list.

You do not need to open an account with all five providers. Follow the notification and payment instructions applicable to your beneficiary record.

How Selected Nigerians Will Receive the ₦50,000

If your eligibility check confirms that you have been selected, you must accept the support before the payment is credited.

The process works as follows:

You receive an SMS from one of the approved payment providers.
The message informs you that you have been selected for the NERSI support.
It provides instructions for accepting the payment.
You dial the relevant USSD code or follow the provider’s approved instructions.
You confirm your consent to receive the support.
A mobile wallet is opened or linked to your phone number and NIN.
The ₦50,000 is credited, and you receive a payment confirmation.

The government says payment is not made until the beneficiary gives consent.

If you receive a genuine selection message, follow its instructions promptly. Do not ignore the acceptance process simply because you have received an SMS.

Can You Receive the ₦50,000 If You Do Not Have a Smartphone?

Yes. A smartphone is not compulsory for checking eligibility or accepting the NERSI support.

The approved USSD codes are designed to work on basic mobile phones without internet access.

This allows beneficiaries who do not use smartphones or mobile banking applications to access the service.

If you receive a selection message, use the code provided by your payment provider and follow the instructions on your phone.

Beware of People Promising to Add Your Name to the NERSI List

The NERSI intervention has attracted attention from Nigerians hoping to receive the ₦50,000 support. Fraudsters may take advantage of this interest by pretending to be government officials, payment agents or programme registration officers.

Some may claim they can:

Add your name to the beneficiary list.
Change your “NOT SELECTED” result.
Secure approval for the next payment batch.
Release your ₦50,000 after payment of a fee.
Activate your NERSI eligibility through a special link.

These claims should not be trusted.

The Federal Government has stated that nobody can add a person to the beneficiary list or speed up payment in exchange for money.

NERSI is free. Eligible beneficiaries do not pay registration, activation or payment-release fees.

You should also protect your financial information:

Never disclose your ATM or mobile wallet PIN.
Do not share your one-time password (OTP).
Do not give your BVN to someone claiming to process your grant.
Avoid unknown links sent through WhatsApp or text messages.
Do not download unofficial applications to claim the support.

The official programme says genuine NERSI messages come from the approved payment providers and do not contain links asking recipients to submit sensitive information.

Frequently Asked Questions About NERSI for Nigerians Not Selected

Does “Not Selected” mean I will never receive the ₦50,000 grant?

No. The government says payments are being made in phases, so some notifications may arrive later. However, it has not guaranteed that everyone who is currently not selected will qualify in a future phase.

Will the government open another NERSI application form?

No public application form has been announced. Beneficiaries are selected from existing government records rather than through individual applications.

Can I pay someone to add my name to the NERSI list?

No. The government says nobody can add names to the list or speed up payment for a fee. Anyone making this offer is attempting to defraud you.

How can I check whether I have been selected?

Dial the USSD code for an approved payment provider and choose the eligibility-check option. You can also follow the instructions in a genuine notification sent by your provider.

Can I use OPay, Moniepoint or ALAT to check my NERSI status?

Yes. The government has listed ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint as approved payment providers. Their respective USSD services can be used to follow the programme’s eligibility and payment instructions.

Does having a NIN guarantee NERSI payment?

No. Verified identity records are used in beneficiary identification, but having a NIN does not automatically qualify you for the ₦50,000 support.

Is the NERSI ₦50,000 payment a loan?

No. It is a Federal Government grant. Selected beneficiaries are not required to repay it.

Do I need to pay a withdrawal fee?

Accepting and receiving the NERSI payment is free. However, a POS agent may charge the usual fee for cash withdrawal. Ask about the charge before completing a transaction.