The Federal Government has rolled out a USSD service through Wema Bank’s ALAT platform, giving selected Nigerians a simple way to confirm whether they qualify for the ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI). The initiative, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is aimed at easing the financial strain on poor and vulnerable households grappling with the rising cost of living.
Wema Bank Among Five Approved Payment Providers
Wema Bank is one of five payment providers approved by the government to handle the disbursement of the relief funds. According to information published on the government’s NERSI portal, eligible Wema Bank customers can verify their status and accept the payment using a USSD code, with no internet connection required.
Step-by-Step Guide for Wema Bank Customers
Customers who wish to confirm their eligibility can follow a straightforward process:
First, dial *945*23# on the mobile number linked to your Wema Bank account. Next, select the eligibility-check option and follow the instructions that appear on the screen. If you have been selected, follow the prompts to confirm your acceptance of the ₦50,000 payment. Once accepted, your mobile wallet will be activated and the funds will be credited to it. Finally, you will receive an SMS notification confirming that the money has been credited.
How Beneficiaries Are Selected
The Federal Government has explained that the intervention targets poor and vulnerable households identified through verified national identity records and the National Social Register. The programme covers eligible households across all six geopolitical zones of the country.
It is important to note that holding a Wema Bank or ALAT account does not automatically make anyone eligible for the payment. Beneficiaries are selected by the government based on its own records, and there is no public application or registration process for the scheme. Payments are also being made in phases, which means eligible beneficiaries may not receive notifications at the same time.
No Fees Required to Receive the Support
Beneficiaries are not required to pay any registration, activation or processing fees to receive the government support. However, customers who choose to withdraw the money through POS agents may be charged the agent’s normal withdrawal fees.
Warning Against Fraudsters
The government has cautioned Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters who may demand money or banking details in exchange for the grant. Beneficiaries should never disclose their ATM PIN, one-time password (OTP) or any other confidential banking information to anyone.
What the Programme Means for Vulnerable Households
The NERSI programme forms part of the government’s broader effort to cushion the effects of economic hardship on the most vulnerable segments of society. By delivering the funds directly to mobile wallets through approved payment providers, the scheme aims to reach beneficiaries quickly and reduce the risk of intermediaries interfering with the process. For Wema Bank customers, the USSD option offers a convenient way to check their status without needing internet access or visiting a physical branch.
Eligible customers who have received an official notification are encouraged to complete the acceptance process promptly so that their mobile wallets can be activated and the funds credited without delay.
