The Federal Government has addressed concerns from Nigerians who are yet to receive text message notifications for its N50,000 relief grant, explaining that payments are being disbursed in phases and that selected beneficiaries are being contacted in batches.
Delayed SMS Does Not Mean Exclusion
According to the programme’s frequently asked questions published on its website, the delay in receiving a notification does not necessarily mean that an individual has been excluded from the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention. Payment providers are reaching out to beneficiaries in batches, which means some selected recipients may receive their messages later than others.
“Payments go out in phases. Providers contact beneficiaries in batches, so your SMS may simply not have arrived yet,” the programme stated.
Limited Number of Households per Phase
The government clarified that not everyone will be selected in the current phase, as the intervention is designed to support a limited number of households at a time. Nigerians who wish to confirm their status have been advised to dial the USSD code of their payment provider and select the option to check their eligibility. Those who are not on the beneficiary list will receive a notification stating: “You are currently not selected to receive this relief support.”
Warning Against Fraudsters
The government also issued a warning against individuals claiming they can help Nigerians secure a place on the beneficiary list or speed up their payments in exchange for money. “No one can add you to the list or speed up your payment. Anyone who offers to do so for a fee is a fraudster,” the FAQ stated.
How the Programme Works
The National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to help households cope with rising living costs. Under the programme, selected beneficiaries receive N50,000 each through mobile wallets operated by five approved payment providers: ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
Beneficiaries were selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records. The government stressed that individuals cannot apply or arrange to be included on the list. Selection is based on need, with beneficiaries spread across the six geopolitical zones irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
Accepting the Grant
Those selected are notified through text messages from their respective payment providers, with instructions on how to accept the grant. Recipients must accept the offer through the USSD code contained in their messages before the money is credited to their mobile wallets.
The government also clarified that the N50,000 support is a grant, not a loan, and beneficiaries are not required to repay it.
Free Process, Safety Reminders
The programme warned Nigerians against paying anyone to access the intervention, adding that accepting the offer, receiving the money and responding to programme text messages are all free. Beneficiaries were further cautioned against sharing their personal identification numbers, one-time passwords or Bank Verification Numbers with anyone claiming to facilitate their payments.
For those still awaiting their notifications, the message from the government is clear: check your eligibility through your payment provider’s USSD code, remain patient as batches are rolled out, and stay alert to fraudsters seeking to exploit the process.
