The Nigerian Federal Government ₦50,000 grant offers financial assistance to vulnerable households through approved digital payment platforms, including MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), which is associated with MTN Nigeria. Eligible MTN subscribers can use a designated USSD code to check their beneficiary status and access payments without visiting a government office.
The initiative, known as the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), was introduced to help low-income households manage rising living costs. While the programme covers Nigeria, beneficiaries are selected through government records rather than open registration. This guide explains how MTN users can check their eligibility, receive payments and avoid fraudulent registration messages.
What You Should Know About the Programme
- What the Program is About: The National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) is a Nigerian Government initiative providing ₦50,000 in non-repayable financial assistance to vulnerable households across the country.
- Eligibility and Selection: Beneficiaries are identified through the National Social Register and verified national identity records. Owning an MTN SIM card does not automatically qualify anyone for payment.
- Payment Channels: Selected beneficiaries receive payments through approved digital financial service providers, including MoMo PSB, ALAT by Wema Bank, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
- How MTN Users Participate: Eligible MTN subscribers can dial *671*0# through MoMo Payment Service Bank to check their beneficiary status and follow the payment instructions.
- Registration and Fees: There is no public application process, and participation is free. Individuals should avoid websites or agents requesting payment to secure registration or approval.
Also Check: FGN ₦50,000 Emergency Relief Program (NERSI): Eligibility and Payment Guidelines
Who Is Eligible for the ₦50k Cash Transfer?
The programme targets households identified as poor or vulnerable through Nigeria’s social protection system.
Beneficiaries must generally:
- Be selected through the National Social Register and verified identity records.
- Meet the government’s poverty and vulnerability criteria.
- Have a valid phone number associated with their beneficiary information.
- Complete the required consent and payment verification procedures.
Important: Having an MTN SIM card, a National Identification Number (NIN) or an active MoMo account does not automatically qualify someone for the grant.
How MTN Users Can Check Eligibility for the ₦50,000 Grant
MTN subscribers can check their NERSI beneficiary status through MoMo PSB.
Follow these steps:
- Open your phone’s dialler using your registered mobile number.
- Dial *671*0#.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and select the option to check your eligibility.
- Review the response to determine whether you have been selected.
- If selected, follow the official instructions to accept the financial support.
The USSD service works on basic mobile phones and does not require an internet connection.
If your details are not among the selected beneficiaries, the system may indicate that you are currently not eligible for payment.
How Selected MTN Users Can Receive the ₦50,000 Payment
Beneficiaries selected for payment through MoMo PSB should follow the official notification and consent process.
- Receive an SMS: Selected beneficiaries are contacted through an authorised payment provider.
- Confirm the notification: Check that the message comes from the official MoMo payment channel.
- Give consent: Dial *671*0# and follow the instructions to accept the support.
- Receive payment: After successful verification and consent, ₦50,000 is credited to the beneficiary’s mobile wallet.
- Access the funds: Beneficiaries can transfer the money to a bank account or withdraw through an authorised MoMo or POS agent.
The government states that beneficiaries receive the full ₦50,000 grant without deductions. Normal agent withdrawal charges may apply when cashing out.
Can MTN Users Apply for the ₦50,000 Grant?
No. The programme does not currently accept public applications.
Beneficiaries are selected from government-managed records, and individuals cannot register themselves through the USSD code.
The code is provided for checking beneficiary status and managing payments, not for joining the programme.
MTN subscribers who have not been selected should avoid individuals or websites claiming they can guarantee approval.
Other Approved Payment Platforms
Although MoMo PSB is particularly relevant to MTN users, the government has approved other payment providers.
The official USSD codes are:
- MoMo PSB: *671*0#
- ALAT by Wema Bank: *945*23#
- NairaGram: *726*00#
- OPay: *955*20#
- Moniepoint: *5573*27#
Beneficiaries should use the payment provider assigned to them through official programme notifications.
See Also: Nigerian Government ₦75,000 Cash Transfer: Eligibility, Payments and How to Check Your Status
How to Avoid Fake ₦50,000 Cash Transfer Messages
Fraudulent messages and misleading announcements can circulate around government financial assistance programmes.
To protect yourself:
- Do not click suspicious links promising instant registration or payment.
- Never share your bank PIN, MoMo PIN, BVN or one-time password.
- Do not pay anyone to secure inclusion in the programme.
- Verify unexpected payment messages through official MoMo channels.
- Avoid forwarding unverified cash transfer messages on WhatsApp or social media.
The NERSI programme does not require beneficiaries to pay registration, activation or processing fees.
Where to Get Assistance
For enquiries about eligibility, payment verification or suspected fraud, beneficiaries can contact:
- NERSI Official Helpline: 0700-022-2222
- MoMo PSB Customer Support: 671 or 0803 106 7100
Beneficiaries are encouraged to contact the appropriate support channel if they experience difficulties accessing their funds.
Final Thoughts
The Nigerian Government’s ₦50,000 NERSI cash transfer programme provides financial support to selected vulnerable households through approved digital payment providers.
For MTN subscribers, dialling *671*0# provides access to MoMo’s eligibility-checking and payment-consent process.
However, participation depends on prior government selection, not simply owning an MTN SIM card. Individuals should rely on official payment notifications and avoid fraudulent registration offers.
