How to Identify Genuine NERSI SMS Messages: 7 Signs Nigerians Should Check Before Responding
As conversations about the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) continue across Nigeria, scammers are taking advantage of public interest by circulating fake payment notifications, WhatsApp messages and fraudulent registration links.
Some of these messages claim that the Federal Government is giving ₦50,000 to every Nigerian and encourage recipients to click suspicious links to claim their money.
However, the Federal Government has provided specific instructions on how selected beneficiaries will receive their notifications.
So, how can Nigerians identify genuine NERSI SMS messages, and what should they do if they receive a suspicious notification?
This report explains seven important signs to check, the authorised payment providers, official USSD codes and the steps to take when a message appears suspicious.
What Is NERSI and How Does the ₦50,000 Support Work?
NERSI stands for the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention.
It is a Federal Government relief programme implemented through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to provide financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households.
Under the announced intervention, selected beneficiaries are expected to receive ₦50,000 monthly as direct financial support.
According to the ministry, beneficiaries are selected using verified national identity records and the National Social Register.
Importantly, Nigerians do not need to register through an agent, pay an application fee or complete a random online form to be selected.
The ministry also explained that selected beneficiaries will receive SMS notifications through authorised digital financial service providers.
Official programme information is available at:
7 Signs of a Genuine NERSI ₦50,000 Grant SMS
Before responding to a message claiming to be from the NERSI programme, there are seven important things Nigerians should understand.
1. The SMS Comes From an Authorised Payment Provider
One of the first things to check is the sender name displayed on the notification.
According to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, genuine NERSI beneficiary notifications are sent through the following authorised payment providers:
- ALAT by Wema Bank
- MoMo PSB
- NairaGram
- OPay
- Moniepoint
If a message claims to represent NERSI but comes from an unrelated organisation or suspicious sender, do not respond immediately.
Remember that sender names can sometimes be spoofed. Therefore, seeing a familiar name alone is not sufficient proof that a message is genuine. Verify through your provider’s official customer support channel.
2. The Message Does Not Ask You to Pay a Registration Fee
A genuine NERSI support notification does not require beneficiaries to pay money before receiving their ₦50,000 support.
The government has stated that the programme is free.
You should be suspicious if someone sends you a message requesting:
- Registration fees.
- Activation charges.
- Processing payments.
- Clearance fees.
- Money to secure a place on the beneficiary list.
Do not transfer money to anyone promising to help you receive the grant.
The programme does not authorise individuals or agents to sell beneficiary slots.
3. Genuine NERSI Messages Do Not Contain Registration Links
This is one of the most important warning signs Nigerians should understand.
The official NERSI programme information states that genuine beneficiary notifications do not contain links asking recipients to register or claim their money.
Instead, selected beneficiaries receive instructions to accept the support through their authorised payment provider.
Be particularly careful with WhatsApp messages containing links that promise instant ₦50,000 payments.
Some fraudulent websites may ask visitors to provide their names, phone numbers and banking information before supposedly releasing the money.
Others may instruct users to forward the message to several WhatsApp groups or contacts.
These are warning signs of phishing and online fraud.
Do not click suspicious links or submit your personal information.
4. The SMS May Ask You to Confirm Your Consent
According to the government’s official programme guidelines, selected beneficiaries receive notifications asking them to consent to receiving the support.
The message may instruct the beneficiary to reply YES or use the designated USSD code provided by the payment provider.
This consent process is important because the payment is not completed until the beneficiary accepts the support.
However, never assume that every SMS asking you to reply YES is genuine.
Confirm the notification with your payment provider if you are uncertain.
5. The Message Does Not Request Your ATM PIN, OTP or Password
Another important way to identify a fraudulent NERSI notification is to examine the information it requests.
No legitimate programme representative or payment agent should ask you to disclose your:
- ATM PIN.
- One-Time Password (OTP).
- Mobile banking password.
- Wallet security PIN.
Never share these details with anyone claiming to help you receive your ₦50,000 grant.
The Federal Government has specifically warned Nigerians against disclosing sensitive banking information to individuals claiming to facilitate the payment.
Your banking credentials should remain private, even when someone claims to represent an authorised payment provider.
6. The Notification Provides a Recognised Payment Instruction
The official NERSI programme identifies specific USSD codes for its authorised payment providers.
These are the published codes:
| Payment provider | Official USSD code |
|---|---|
| ALAT by Wema Bank | 94523# |
| MoMo PSB | 6710# |
| NairaGram | 72600# |
| OPay | 95520# |
| Moniepoint | 557327# |
These codes can be used to access the relevant provider’s services and follow the programme’s instructions.
A basic mobile phone is sufficient for USSD access; an internet connection is not required.
Important: Only use the code associated with your payment provider. Confirm the code on the official NERSI website or with your provider before proceeding. Never share your PIN or OTP during the process.
7. You Can Verify Suspicious Messages Through Official Channels
If you receive an SMS claiming that you have been selected for the NERSI ₦50,000 support, but something does not look right, do not rush to respond.
Contact your payment provider through its independently verified customer support channel.
You can also contact the official NERSI programme helpline:
0700-022-2222
The programme’s official website also provides information about eligibility, beneficiary selection, payment instructions and fraud prevention.
It is always safer to verify a notification before taking action.
How to Check If Your NERSI ₦50,000 Grant Message Is Genuine
Nigerians who receive a message claiming to be from NERSI should follow these steps:
- Check whether the notification identifies one of the five authorised payment providers.
- Examine the message for suspicious links or requests for payment.
- Never disclose your ATM PIN, OTP or banking password.
- Verify the message directly with your payment provider.
- If necessary, contact the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.
- Follow the official payment instructions only after confirming the notification.
Do not rely entirely on screenshots, forwarded WhatsApp messages or claims made by social media accounts.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Fake NERSI Grant SMS?
If you receive a suspicious message claiming to offer the ₦50,000 NERSI support, take the following precautions:
Do not click the link: Avoid opening unfamiliar websites attached to grant messages.
Do not pay any money: No individual can guarantee your selection by collecting a fee.
Do not share sensitive details: Keep your BVN, ATM PIN, OTP and passwords private.
Do not forward the message: Sharing fraudulent links may expose your friends and family to online scams.
Report the incident: Contact your payment provider through its official customer support channel and report suspected fraud.
If you have already entered your banking credentials on a suspicious website, contact your bank or wallet provider immediately to secure your account.
Can Everyone Receive the NERSI ₦50,000 Grant?
No. The programme is not an automatic payment available to every Nigerian.
According to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records using poverty and vulnerability criteria.
Selection covers all six geopolitical zones.
The government has also explained that payments are made in phases, meaning not everyone selected will necessarily receive a notification at the same time.
There is no official application process through random WhatsApp links, and individuals cannot pay to secure a place on the beneficiary list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genuine NERSI SMS Messages
1. How do I know if my NERSI ₦50,000 SMS is genuine?
The official programme says notifications come through ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay or Moniepoint. Genuine notifications do not ask for fees, PINs, OTPs or registration through links. Verify uncertain messages independently with your provider.
2. Does NERSI send registration links through WhatsApp?
No. The official programme information states that genuine beneficiary notifications do not contain registration links. Be cautious of WhatsApp messages asking you to complete an online form to claim the money.
3. Do I need to pay before receiving the NERSI grant?
No. The government says the support is free. You should not pay an agent, individual or website to secure your selection or release the money.
4. Which banks and platforms are authorised for NERSI payments?
The five authorised payment providers identified by the programme are ALAT by Wema Bank, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
5. What is the official NERSI helpline?
The programme’s official helpline is 0700-022-2222.
6. What happens if I have not received an NERSI SMS?
It does not automatically mean that you have been excluded. Payments are made in phases, and not every household is selected in the same phase. Check eligibility through your payment provider’s official USSD service and consult the NERSI helpline if necessary.
7. Can someone help me secure a place on the NERSI beneficiary list?
No. The government says beneficiary selection is based on established eligibility criteria. No agent, official or third party can sell you a place or guarantee your selection.
Final Thoughts
Identifying genuine NERSI SMS messages is important as scammers continue to exploit public interest in the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 relief support.
The most important things to remember are that genuine notifications come through the five authorised payment providers, do not contain registration links and do not require beneficiaries to pay fees or disclose sensitive banking information.
If you receive a message claiming that you have been selected, verify it before responding.
For reliable information, visit the official NERSI website at https://fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi/ or call 0700-022-2222.
Stay informed, protect your personal information and do not allow fraudsters to take advantage of your search for financial assistance.
Official Sources and Further Reading
- Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction – NERSI official information: https://fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi/
- Federal Ministry – NERSI frequently asked questions: https://fmhapr.gov.ng/news/nersi-frequently-asked-questions-on-the-%E2%82%A650000-relief-support/
- Federal Government statement on the commencement of NERSI: https://fmhapr.gov.ng/news/statement-by-the-honourable-minister-of-humanitarian-affairs-and-poverty-reduction-dr-bernard-doro-on-the-commencement-of-the-national-emergency-relief-and-stabilisation-intervention-nersi/
