FG ₦50,000 NERSI Grant: USSD Codes Not Working? How to Accept Your SMS, Open Your Wallet and Withdraw Your Money
Last Updated: 6 November 2026
Have you received a message about the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 NERSI relief programme but are unsure what to do next? Perhaps you have dialled the USSD code and nothing happened, or you have received an SMS but do not know how to accept the support.
These situations can be confusing, particularly for people who are not familiar with mobile wallets and USSD banking services.
The Federal Government introduced the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) to provide financial assistance to selected poor and vulnerable households across Nigeria. Under the programme, eligible beneficiaries are entitled to receive ₦50,000 monthly through approved digital financial service providers.
However, receiving an SMS is only one part of the process. Beneficiaries must follow the instructions provided by their payment provider and give consent before the payment is made.
This guide explains what to do when your NERSI USSD code is not working, how to respond to a genuine notification, how to access your mobile wallet and how to withdraw your money without falling victim to fraud.
What Should You Do After Receiving the NERSI ₦50,000 SMS?
If you receive a message informing you that you have been selected for the NERSI intervention, do not immediately assume that the money has entered your account.
The government says beneficiaries must first consent to receiving the support.
Here is the process:
- Check the name of the payment provider mentioned in your SMS.
- Confirm that the message is from one of the five approved providers.
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Reply YES or dial the USSD code specified in your genuine notification.
- Follow the instructions displayed on your phone.
- Wait for confirmation that your wallet has been opened and credited.
The programme does not require beneficiaries to pay an activation fee or register through an agent.
Complete List of Official NERSI USSD Codes for 2026
The Federal Government identifies five approved payment providers for delivering NERSI support.
If you have received an official notification, use the relevant provider’s USSD channel.
| Payment provider | USSD code |
|---|---|
| ALAT by Wema Bank | 94523# |
| MoMo PSB | 6710# |
| NairaGram | 72600# |
| OPay | 95520# |
| Moniepoint | 557327# |
Important: These are provider-specific codes, not universal codes for every Nigerian bank. Use the code associated with your notification and follow the menu instructions.
You can also consult the official government NERSI portal for updated instructions.
1. How to Fix NERSI USSD Code Not Working
One of the problems some mobile phone users may experience is difficulty accessing a USSD menu.
If you dial the code and receive an error message, try the following steps.
Check your mobile network
USSD services depend on your mobile network connection.
If your phone displays a network error, move to an area with better reception and try again.
Use the phone number associated with your notification
The NERSI programme uses verified beneficiary records and links payments to a mobile wallet.
Use the registered phone number associated with your beneficiary notification rather than randomly switching between SIM cards.
Enter the code correctly
Make sure you enter the complete USSD code, including the asterisk (*) and hash (#) symbols.
For example, the Moniepoint code is 557327#.
Try again later
Temporary network or service interruptions can prevent a USSD menu from opening.
If the problem continues, contact the relevant payment provider through its official customer support channel.
Do not give your PIN or OTP to someone claiming they can fix the problem.
2. How to Accept Your ₦50,000 NERSI Grant
If you have received a genuine selection notification, the next important step is accepting the support.
The Federal Government explains that consent must be provided before payment.
Depending on your payment provider’s instructions, you may be asked to reply YES or dial its designated USSD code.
After following the instructions:
- Your mobile wallet can be opened or linked to your registered phone number.
- Your consent is recorded.
- The payment provider processes the relief payment.
- You receive confirmation when the money is credited.
Do not assume that simply dialling a code guarantees selection. You must be recognised as an eligible beneficiary in the programme’s records.
3. How to Withdraw Your NERSI ₦50,000 From Your Wallet
After the payment has been credited, you can access the money through the available services offered by your payment provider.
Depending on the provider, you may be able to:
- Withdraw through an authorised POS agent.
- Transfer the money to another bank account.
- Spend directly from your mobile wallet.
- Use your provider’s official mobile application.
Before withdrawing through a POS agent, confirm the amount you want to withdraw and ask about the applicable transaction charges.
Remember that the government says the full ₦50,000 support goes into the beneficiary’s wallet without programme deductions. Normal withdrawal charges may still apply.
4. What If You Received an SMS But Have Not Received the Money?
Receiving a selection message does not necessarily mean your wallet has already been credited.
The process requires consent and payment processing.
If you have received the message but cannot see the money, consider these steps:
- Confirm whether you completed the consent instructions.
- Check whether your payment provider sent a confirmation message.
- Check your mobile wallet balance.
- Contact the provider if the payment is still missing.
- Keep your notification for reference.
Do not pay anyone to speed up the payment.
If the message appears suspicious, contact the official programme helpline before taking further action.
5. What If You Have Not Received Any NERSI SMS?
If you have not received an SMS, it does not automatically mean something is wrong with your phone or bank account.
The government says beneficiaries are selected using verified national identity records and the National Social Register.
Payments are also being distributed in phases.
This means some households may receive notifications earlier than others.
However, it is important to understand that not everyone will be selected in the current phase.
You cannot register yourself, purchase a place on the beneficiary list or pay an agent to secure the support.
6. How to Identify a Fake NERSI ₦50,000 Grant Message
As interest in the government intervention increases, fraudsters may attempt to exploit people who are hoping to receive financial assistance.
Some may send fake WhatsApp messages, create unofficial registration websites or claim they can guarantee selection.
Before responding to any message, consider these warning signs.
Warning sign 1: A registration fee
The official NERSI programme is free. Nobody should ask you to pay money to register, activate or release your support.
Warning sign 2: Requests for your OTP or PIN
Your PIN and OTP are private security information. Never disclose them to anybody.
Warning sign 3: An unofficial registration link
Do not enter your personal or banking information on an unfamiliar website claiming to offer instant NERSI registration.
Warning sign 4: Guaranteed selection
Nobody can legitimately guarantee that you will be selected by paying an agent.
Warning sign 5: Pressure to act immediately
Be careful when somebody threatens that your money will disappear unless you transfer a fee or disclose confidential information.
Where Can You Verify Genuine NERSI Information?
Always use the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction’s official website for programme information.
Official NERSI portal:
The programme’s official helpline is:
0700-022-2222
You should use the official portal and helpline rather than relying on forwarded WhatsApp messages.
7. Can You Receive NERSI ₦50,000 Without a Smartphone?
Yes.
The official government programme information confirms that beneficiaries do not need a smartphone or internet connection to use the USSD service.
A basic mobile phone with a working SIM card can be used to access the relevant USSD menu.
This is particularly useful for people living in communities where internet access is limited.
However, you must still have an eligible beneficiary notification and follow the instructions of your assigned payment provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About NERSI USSD Codes
1. What is the USSD code for the FG ₦50,000 grant?
The code depends on the payment provider. ALAT uses 94523#, MoMo PSB uses 6710#, NairaGram uses 72600#, OPay uses 95520#, and Moniepoint uses 557327#.
2. Can I use my normal bank USSD code to receive the NERSI grant?
No. The programme identifies five approved payment providers. You should follow the instructions associated with the provider named in your official notification.
3. Is the NERSI ₦50,000 payment a loan?
No. The government describes it as a grant. Eligible beneficiaries are not expected to repay the support.
4. Must I pay before accepting the grant?
No. Accepting and receiving the programme support is free. Do not pay registration, processing or activation fees.
5. Can I receive the grant through my normal bank account?
The programme uses approved digital payment providers and mobile wallets. Follow the instructions provided by your assigned provider to access or transfer your money.
6. What happens if I accidentally select NO?
The official NERSI information says that selecting NO records your decision and stops the payment. If you change your mind or selected NO by mistake, dial your provider’s code again and follow the instructions to choose YES.
7. Can someone help me dial the USSD code?
A trusted person can help you navigate the phone, but you should enter your PIN yourself. Never hand over your security details to another person.
8. What number can I call to complain about NERSI?
The official programme helpline is 0700-022-2222. You can also contact your payment provider for wallet or transaction-related problems.
Final Advice
The Federal Government’s ₦50,000 NERSI intervention is intended to support selected vulnerable Nigerian households. However, receiving the support requires following the official beneficiary notification and consent process.
If you have received an SMS, read the instructions carefully and use the correct payment provider’s USSD code.
If your code is not working, contact your provider instead of paying an unknown person to solve the problem.
Most importantly, protect your personal information. Nobody should ask you for your PIN, OTP or money to release your NERSI support.
Naija Money Guide will continue providing practical information about government support programmes, banking services and financial opportunities in Nigeria.
Official source: Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction – https://fmhapr.gov.ng/nersi/
