Nigerians can now check whether they have been selected for the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) through OPay using a dedicated USSD service. The initiative is designed to provide financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households struggling with the increasing cost of living.
Under the arrangement announced by the Federal Government, selected beneficiaries will receive the financial support directly into their mobile wallets after completing the required confirmation and acceptance process. This means eligible Nigerians do not necessarily need to visit a government office or have an internet connection to check their beneficiary status.
For Nigerians using OPay, the official USSD code provided on the NERSI programme website is *955*20#. By dialling this code and following the available instructions, users can check whether they have been selected and proceed with the necessary steps if their details are recognised.
In this article, we explain how to check your FG ₦50,000 NERSI relief eligibility using OPay, how to confirm your selection, what to do after receiving a notification and how to protect yourself from fake government grant messages.
What Is the FG ₦50,000 NERSI Relief Programme?
The National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) is a Federal Government financial assistance programme coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
The intervention is intended to support poor and vulnerable Nigerian households affected by economic hardship and the rising prices of essential goods and services.
On October 30, 2026, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction announced the commencement of the programme. The Minister, Dr Bernard Doro, explained that the initiative would provide direct financial assistance to eligible households through approved digital financial service providers.
According to the commencement statement published by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, eligible beneficiaries are expected to receive ₦50,000 monthly. The official NERSI portal also confirms that selected beneficiaries receive ₦50,000 directly into their mobile wallets.
The programme uses existing verified national identity records and the National Social Register to identify and screen potential beneficiaries. This means Nigerians do not need to pay an agent or complete an unofficial online registration form to be considered.
For official programme information, visit the Federal Government’s NERSI information portal.
What Is the Official OPay USSD Code for NERSI ₦50,000 Relief?
The official OPay USSD code provided on the Federal Government’s NERSI website is:
*955*20#
OPay users can dial this code from their mobile phones to access the available NERSI options, including checking their eligibility and following the payment instructions.
The USSD service is useful for people who may not have access to mobile data or a smartphone. A basic mobile phone can be used to access a USSD menu, provided the SIM card is active and has network coverage.
Before proceeding, make sure you are using the phone number associated with your beneficiary information. Your NERSI wallet is linked to your mobile number and National Identification Number (NIN).
How to Check If You Have Been Selected for FG ₦50,000 NERSI Relief Using OPay
If you want to know whether your name has been included among the beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s relief programme, follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Get Your Registered Mobile Phone
First, get the mobile phone containing the SIM card associated with your beneficiary information and OPay account.
Make sure the SIM card is active and can make USSD requests. You should also check that your mobile network is working properly before starting the process.
Step 2: Open Your Phone Dialer
Open the normal phone dialer application on your device. You do not need to download a separate application or visit an unofficial website to access the USSD service.
If your phone has two SIM cards, select the line associated with your beneficiary details when making the request.
Step 3: Dial the Official OPay NERSI Code
Enter the official code below into your phone dialer:
*955*20#
Press the call button to proceed. Your phone should display the available USSD options if the service is accessible.
Step 4: Select the Check Eligibility Option
When the USSD menu appears, look for the option labelled Check Eligibility.
Select that option and follow the instructions displayed on your screen. The service will check the available beneficiary information associated with your request.
Make sure you read each instruction carefully before selecting an option. Do not enter your wallet PIN or disclose an OTP to anyone claiming to be helping you check your NERSI status.
Step 5: Confirm Your NERSI Beneficiary Status
After following the available instructions, the system should provide information about your selection status.
If your details are recognised as those of a selected beneficiary, follow the instructions provided to accept the financial assistance.
However, if the system displays a message indicating that you are currently not selected, it means your details have not been included in the beneficiary group available for that check.
The Federal Government explains that beneficiary notifications and payments are distributed in phases, so not everyone will necessarily receive a notification at the same time.
Step 6: Accept the ₦50,000 Financial Assistance
If your selection is confirmed, follow the official instructions displayed by the service or sent to your registered phone number.
The NERSI programme requires beneficiaries to provide consent before payment is made. The official process instructs selected beneficiaries to confirm their acceptance, including by replying YES where requested in the notification.
Read the message carefully and follow the exact instructions provided. Once your acceptance is successfully processed, the approved ₦50,000 will be credited to your designated mobile wallet.
You should receive a confirmation message from the payment provider after the money has been credited.
How Will You Know If You Have Been Selected for the NERSI Grant?
One of the main ways the Federal Government communicates with selected beneficiaries is through an SMS notification from their designated payment provider.
The notification informs the beneficiary about the selection and provides instructions for accepting the financial support.
According to the official NERSI website, beneficiaries should expect genuine programme notifications to provide the necessary instructions without requesting payment, passwords or confidential account information.
There are also several important things to understand about the notification process:
- Only individuals selected through the official beneficiary process are entitled to receive the assistance.
- Beneficiaries must provide consent before the payment is made.
- The full ₦50,000 is expected to be credited to the beneficiary’s wallet without deductions by the programme.
- The government does not require beneficiaries to pay a registration or activation fee.
- Receiving a forwarded WhatsApp message does not mean someone has been selected.
For confirmation, use the official OPay USSD service or contact the NERSI helpdesk if you are uncertain about a message.
Who Is Eligible for the FG ₦50,000 NERSI Relief?
The NERSI programme is designed to reach poor and vulnerable households across Nigeria. However, owning an OPay account does not automatically qualify someone for the financial assistance.
According to the Federal Government’s programme guidelines, beneficiaries are selected using verified national identity records and the National Social Register.
The selection process is intended to identify households that meet the programme’s vulnerability requirements.
Some important eligibility details include:
- Beneficiaries must be identified through the official government screening process.
- The programme uses verified national identity records and the National Social Register.
- Beneficiaries are selected based on need rather than political, religious or ethnic affiliation.
- Payments are distributed in phases, meaning selected households may receive notifications at different times.
- There is no legitimate payment that can guarantee someone a place on the beneficiary list.
For this reason, Nigerians should avoid individuals who claim they can add their names to the NERSI list in exchange for money.
What If OPay Shows That You Have Not Been Selected?
Not every person who checks their details will receive a positive eligibility result. Some Nigerians may see a notification stating that they are currently not selected to receive the relief support.
This does not necessarily mean that the entire NERSI programme has ended. The Federal Government explains that payments are distributed in phases and that not every household is included in the first group.
If you receive a message indicating that you have not been selected, consider the following steps:
- Confirm that you are using the correct mobile number associated with your beneficiary information.
- Make sure you dialled the correct OPay NERSI code.
- Check your mobile network and try again if the USSD service failed.
- Monitor the official NERSI website for verified announcements.
- Avoid paying anyone who promises to change your eligibility result.
It is important to understand that nobody can legitimately add your name to the beneficiary list or guarantee that you will receive a payment in a future phase.
How to Receive Your ₦50,000 NERSI Payment Through OPay
Once your eligibility has been confirmed and you have completed the required acceptance process, the approved financial assistance will be credited to your designated mobile wallet.
After receiving the confirmation notification, check your OPay account to verify that the money has arrived.
When the funds appear in your wallet, you can use the available OPay services to manage the money.
These include:
- Transferring money to your personal bank account.
- Sending money to another supported bank account.
- Making eligible payments through your wallet.
- Withdrawing cash through an authorised POS agent.
The official NERSI portal confirms that OPay beneficiaries can use the OPay application or the USSD service to send money to a POS agent or bank account.
If you decide to withdraw cash through a POS agent, confirm the applicable transaction fee before proceeding. The government states that receiving the relief payment is free, although a POS agent may charge the usual withdrawal fee.
Is the FG ₦50,000 NERSI Relief Payment Free?
Yes. The Federal Government has stated that beneficiaries do not need to pay any fee to receive the NERSI financial assistance.
There is no official registration charge, payment activation fee or beneficiary-list fee required to receive the support.
Anyone asking you to pay money before your ₦50,000 payment can be released is acting suspiciously. Do not send money to such individuals.
The government also warns beneficiaries never to share sensitive account information with anyone.
Keep the following information private:
- Your OPay transaction PIN.
- Your One-Time Password (OTP).
- Your wallet password.
- Your ATM card details.
- Your BVN and other confidential account information.
No legitimate NERSI representative needs your wallet PIN or OTP to release the financial assistance.
Common Problems When Checking NERSI Eligibility on OPay
Some users may encounter technical problems while trying to access the USSD service. Below are common issues and practical steps to take.
1. The USSD Code Is Not Responding
If your phone does not respond after dialling the code, check your network signal and make sure the correct SIM card is selected.
You can also try again after a short period. If the problem continues, contact OPay customer support.
2. Your Mobile Number Is Not Recognised
This may happen if the number being used does not match the details associated with your beneficiary records.
Confirm that you are using the appropriate registered number. For further assistance, contact the official support team rather than giving your account details to an unknown person.
3. You Have Not Received an SMS Notification
Not receiving an SMS does not automatically mean that the programme has ended or that every beneficiary has been contacted.
The government says that payments are distributed in phases. You can use the official eligibility-check option to verify your status rather than relying on messages forwarded by other people.
4. Your Eligibility Result Is Not Available
If the system cannot process your request, check your network connection and confirm that you entered the correct USSD code.
If the problem remains unresolved, contact OPay or the NERSI programme helpdesk for assistance.
5. Someone Requests Money Before Releasing Your Payment
Do not pay anyone who claims that your relief money is locked, pending activation or requires an administrative payment.
The Federal Government clearly states that participation and receipt of the NERSI support are free. Report suspicious requests through official support channels.
Official OPay and NERSI Customer Support Contacts
If you experience problems while checking your eligibility or receiving your payment, use the official contact information provided on the NERSI programme website.
OPay Customer Support:
- 0700 888 8328
- 0201 888 8328
Federal Government NERSI Helpdesk:
0700-022-2222
Contact OPay for wallet-related problems and use the NERSI helpdesk for questions about the government relief programme.
Always make sure you are contacting the correct support channel. Never disclose your PIN or OTP during a support conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions About FG ₦50,000 NERSI Relief on OPay
1. What Is the OPay USSD Code for Checking FG ₦50,000 NERSI Eligibility?
The official OPay USSD code listed on the Federal Government’s NERSI portal is *955*20#. Dial the code and select the Check Eligibility option when it appears.
2. Can I Check NERSI Eligibility Without Internet Access?
Yes. The USSD service works without mobile data or an internet connection. You only need an active mobile phone line and network coverage.
3. Is the ₦50,000 NERSI Payment a Loan?
No. The government describes the NERSI assistance as a grant. Selected beneficiaries are not required to repay the money.
4. Do I Need to Register Again to Receive the NERSI Grant?
No. The government selects beneficiaries through verified national identity records and the National Social Register. Nigerians do not need to pay an agent or complete an unofficial registration form.
5. Can Every OPay User Receive the ₦50,000?
No. Having an OPay account does not automatically qualify someone for the programme. Only households selected through the government’s beneficiary screening process are entitled to receive the support.
6. What Should I Do If I Am Not Selected?
Confirm that you used the correct mobile number and USSD code. You can also monitor the official programme website for further announcements. Selection in a later phase is not guaranteed.
7. Can Someone Help Me Check My NERSI Eligibility?
A trusted person can help you operate your phone, but you should remain in control of your account and enter your PIN yourself. Never hand over your phone or disclose your OTP to an agent.
8. How Will I Know When My ₦50,000 Has Been Paid?
You should receive an SMS confirming that your wallet has been credited. You can also open your OPay application and check your available balance and transaction history.
9. Is There a Fee for Accepting the FG NERSI Payment?
No. Accepting and receiving the financial assistance is free. However, an ordinary POS cash withdrawal may attract the agent’s usual service fee.
Final Words
Nigerians who want to check whether they have been selected for the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention can use the official OPay USSD service by dialling *955*20#.
After accessing the service, select the eligibility-check option and follow the instructions displayed on your phone. If your details are recognised as those of a selected beneficiary, complete the required consent process to receive the financial assistance.
Remember that owning an OPay account does not automatically make you eligible. Beneficiaries are selected through the government’s official screening process using verified national identity records and the National Social Register.
Most importantly, do not pay anyone to secure a place on the beneficiary list or release your money. The NERSI programme is free, and you should never disclose your wallet PIN, OTP or password to another person.
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