FG Explains Delays in N50,000 Relief Grant Notifications, Says Payments Are Being Made in Batches

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has explained that delays in receiving notifications for its N50,000 household relief grant are due to the phased disbursement of payments, assuring Nigerians that the absence of an immediate message does not automatically mean they have been excluded.

The government disclosed this in the frequently asked questions published on the programme’s website, explaining that approved payment providers were contacting beneficiaries in batches.

It said some selected recipients might receive their notifications later as the payment process continued.

However, the government clarified that not everyone would benefit from the current phase of the intervention, as the programme was designed to support a limited number of households at a time.

Nigerians seeking to confirm their eligibility were advised to dial the USSD code of their respective payment providers and follow the instructions to check their status.

Those who have not been selected would receive a notification stating: “You are currently not selected to receive this relief support.”

Five payment providers approved

The N50,000 intervention is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to help vulnerable households cope with rising living costs.

Under the programme, selected beneficiaries receive ₦50,000 each through mobile wallets operated by five approved payment providers: ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.

According to the government, beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records. Individuals cannot independently apply or pay to secure a place on the beneficiary list.

It added that selection was based on need, with beneficiaries drawn from the six geopolitical zones, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

Those selected are notified through text messages from their respective payment providers, with instructions on how to accept the grant.

Recipients must accept the offer through the USSD code provided in the notification before the money is credited to their mobile wallets.

FG warns against grant fraud

The government warned Nigerians against fraudsters demanding money to facilitate inclusion in the programme or accelerate payment.

It stressed that nobody could add an individual to the beneficiary list or speed up the disbursement process in exchange for payment.

The government also clarified that the N50,000 support is a grant, not a loan, and recipients are not required to repay the money.

It said accepting the offer, receiving the funds and responding to official programme messages are entirely free.

Beneficiaries were further cautioned against disclosing their personal identification numbers, one-time passwords or Bank Verification Numbers to anyone claiming to assist with their payments.

The Daily Reality