The Federal Government has explained how Nigerians are selected to receive its N50,000 cash relief under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI).
According to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, beneficiaries are selected from verified National Identification Number (NIN) records and the National Social Register (NSR).
The ministry explained on its NERSI website that the selection process involves screening registered individuals to identify poor and vulnerable households.
The National Social Register is a database of poor and vulnerable Nigerians coordinated by the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO). The office says the register contains information on more than 70 million people.
The registration process involves identifying poor communities, working with community leaders to identify vulnerable households, and collecting their details digitally. The households are then assessed using poverty indicators.
Those who fall within the poorest categories may qualify for inclusion in the National Beneficiary Register, which is used for government cash transfer programmes.
The ministry stated that registration with both the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Social Register is required to qualify for the N50,000 relief.
However, it warned Nigerians that there is no application process or payment required to become a beneficiary.
“You cannot apply or pay to be added,” the NERSI website stated, adding that not everyone would be included in the first batch.
The government also explained that the N50,000 payment is a grant that beneficiaries will not be required to repay.
Selection is based on need and covers all six geopolitical zones, without discrimination based on religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
Payments are being made in phases, meaning selected beneficiaries may receive notifications at different times.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, announced the commencement of the payments on October 30.
Nigerians can check their selection status through the approved payment providers using the following USSD codes:
– ALAT by Wema: 94523#
– MoMo PSB: *6710#
– NairaGram: *72600#
– OPay: *95520#
– Moniepoint: 557327#
