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OPay has clarified how customers can check their eligibility for the Federal Government’s monthly ₦50,000 relief payment, while warning Nigerians against fraudsters attempting to exploit the cash support programme. The fintech company said only eligible citizens selected for the intervention would receive access to the payment process through its mobile application or designated USSD channel.
The clarification comes as the Federal Government begins disbursement under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), a programme designed to provide financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households struggling with rising living costs. The government says the initiative is intended to deliver support directly to beneficiaries through approved financial service providers.
In a message shared on Tuesday, November 3, OPay explained that eligible customers would see a pop-up notification on the homepage of their mobile application. Customers who receive the notification are expected to click on it and follow the instructions provided to proceed with the next steps.
However, the company stressed that customers who cannot see the notification should not assume that they have been selected. OPay also made it clear that it does not determine who qualifies for the Federal Government’s relief intervention, directing customers seeking further clarification to the NERSI support line.
The fintech company also issued a security warning, advising Nigerians not to share their personal identification numbers (PINs) or one-time passwords (OTPs) with anyone claiming to help them receive the money. It warned against paying agents or clicking suspicious links circulated through social media, messaging platforms or unsolicited communications.
The announcement has attracted attention from Nigerians seeking information about the ₦50,000 FG relief payment, particularly those wondering whether they need to register, submit personal details or pay a fee to access the support. The government’s official programme information makes clear that beneficiaries are selected through verified records and that no payment is required to secure a place on the list.
According to OPay, customers can check their eligibility through the official application or by using the designated USSD code, 95520#. The company’s warning is particularly important as scammers may attempt to take advantage of public interest in government financial assistance.
The development also highlights the importance of using official channels when accessing digital financial services. As more government interventions rely on mobile wallets and electronic payments, customers are being encouraged to verify information carefully before taking action.
The Federal Government announced the commencement of NERSI payments on October 30, 2026. Under the programme, selected beneficiaries are expected to receive ₦50,000 monthly, subject to regular reviews. The intervention is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, working with licensed financial service providers.
The ministry has stated that the programme is free and that no intermediary can sell access to the beneficiary list. Nigerians who receive suspicious messages or are approached by individuals demanding money are advised to contact the official programme helpline for assistance.
The official NERSI information is available through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, which outlines the eligibility process, payment channels and steps customers should take to protect themselves from fraud.
The government says beneficiaries are selected from verified national identity records and the national social register, with screening intended to reach poor and vulnerable households. This means that opening an OPay account or downloading the application does not automatically qualify a customer for the relief payment.
For OPay customers, the most important step is to check the official app homepage for the eligibility notification. Those who receive it should follow the instructions displayed within the application rather than relying on information shared by unofficial accounts or third-party agents.
Customers who do not see the notification should avoid paying anyone who promises to activate their eligibility. OPay has stated that it does not determine the beneficiary list, while the government has also warned that no one can guarantee selection in exchange for money.
The company’s warning against sharing PINs and OTPs is also significant because these security details can be used to access financial accounts or authorise transactions. A genuine relief payment should not require customers to disclose their confidential banking credentials to another person.
Nigerians should also be cautious about links claiming to lead to an application form or payment activation page. The official NERSI programme states that it does not send links requesting beneficiaries to claim the support. Customers should use their provider’s official application or USSD channel and contact the programme helpline if they are uncertain about a message.
The government has listed participating financial service providers and their respective eligibility-check channels. These include ALAT by Wema, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint. The official programme website provides the relevant USSD codes and guidance for customers using these platforms.
For OPay users, the designated code is 95520#. Customers should ensure they are using the correct code and follow the instructions provided by the service. Those who encounter problems can seek assistance through the official support channels rather than relying on social media claims.
The NERSI intervention is expected to provide financial assistance directly to selected households through mobile wallets. The government says beneficiaries will receive a message seeking their consent before the money is transferred. This consent process is intended to ensure that recipients agree to participate before funds are credited.
The programme is being introduced amid continued pressure on household budgets, with many Nigerians facing higher costs for food, transportation, housing and other essential expenses. While the monthly ₦50,000 support may offer some relief to eligible households, the government has not indicated that every Nigerian will receive the payment.
The selection process is therefore an important part of the programme. The official NERSI website explains that beneficiaries are identified through verified records and screened to reach vulnerable households. It also states that people cannot apply or pay to be added to the list.
OPay’s clarification should help customers distinguish between the official payment process and misleading claims circulating online. The company’s message is clear: eligibility is determined through the government’s programme, not by OPay, and customers should only follow instructions received through recognised channels.
As public interest in the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 relief payment continues, Nigerians are encouraged to rely on official announcements for updates. Customers who believe they have received a suspicious message should avoid responding, sharing personal information or making payments to individuals claiming to represent the programme.
For further information, the NERSI helpline is 0700-022-2222. Customers can also consult the official government website for details about beneficiary selection, consent, payment procedures and fraud prevention.
The key takeaway for OPay customers is that the relief payment is available only to selected eligible beneficiaries. Checking the official app or USSD channel is the appropriate way to verify access, while paying agents, sharing PINs or OTPs, and clicking unverified links could expose customers to financial fraud.
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