The Federal Government has provided a USSD code through which MTN subscribers selected for its ₦50,000 monthly relief grant can check their eligibility status and accept the financial support.
MTN users can dial *671*0# from their registered phone numbers to access the MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB) service and follow the on-screen instructions to confirm their status under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI).
The intervention is designed to provide financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerian households struggling with the rising cost of living.
However, the development comes amid the circulation of a fraudulent social media message advising MTN subscribers who have not received their payments or whose eligibility status shows “NOT ELIGIBLE” to send “YES” to an unauthorised code.
The message falsely promises that affected subscribers will receive the ₦50,000 payment within 24 hours.
MTN Warns Subscribers Against Fake ₦50,000 Grant Messages
MTN Nigeria has warned subscribers against acting on the circulating message, describing the information as unauthorised and unrelated to the telecommunications company.
In a response to the viral post, MTN Nigeria Support urged customers to disregard the instruction and avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing sensitive information.
The telecommunications company specifically warned subscribers against disclosing their personal information, one-time passwords (OTPs), personal identification numbers (PINs) and passwords.
It also advised customers not to make payments based on unsolicited messages claiming to facilitate access to the Federal Government’s grant.
MTN Support stated:
“Please be informed that the information shared is not from MTN. Kindly disregard the message and do not click on any unverified links, share personal information, OTPs, PINs, passwords, or make any payments based on such messages.”
The warning is particularly important for subscribers seeking to confirm their eligibility or resolve payment delays, as scammers may exploit the grant programme to obtain sensitive banking information.
How to Check Eligibility for the FG ₦50,000 Grant on MTN
MTN subscribers can use the official MoMo PSB USSD service to check their status and accept the financial support if selected.
The following steps explain how to access the service:
1. Dial the official USSD code
MTN subscribers should dial *671*0# using the phone number linked to their beneficiary records and follow the instructions displayed on their screens.
2. Accept the offer if selected
Subscribers who receive an official notification confirming their selection should follow the instructions provided in the message or through the USSD service to give consent.
3. Respond to an official MoMo notification
Eligible beneficiaries may receive a genuine MoMo notification or pop-up requesting permission to receive the support. They should follow the prompt and select the appropriate option to confirm acceptance.
4. Open a MoMo account
Beneficiaries who do not already have a MoMo wallet can dial *671# or download the official MoMo NG application to register.
5. Access the ₦50,000 payment
Once the money is credited, beneficiaries can access their funds through the MoMo application, USSD service or an authorised MoMo agent. They can also transfer the money to their bank accounts.
Who Qualifies for the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 Monthly Grant?
According to the official NERSI portal, beneficiaries are selected using verified national identity records and information from the National Social Register.
The programme is designed to reach vulnerable households that meet the government’s eligibility requirements.
Beneficiaries are contacted through approved payment service providers, including:
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MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB).
For MTN subscribers, MoMo PSB is the designated payment provider for accessing the intervention.
The government has also clarified that beneficiaries do not need to submit a fresh application or pay an agent to access the support.
FG Explains How Beneficiaries Will Receive the ₦50,000 Payment
The Federal Government said selected beneficiaries would receive an SMS from their designated payment providers requesting consent before the funds are transferred to their mobile wallets or accounts.
In an October 30 statement announcing the commencement of the intervention, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, explained that eligible beneficiaries would receive ₦50,000 monthly to help them meet essential needs and reduce the financial pressure caused by rising living costs.
According to the minister, the SMS notification is an official part of the payment process.
“Beneficiaries will receive an SMS from one of these providers asking for their consent. This message is genuine. Once consent is given, payment is made directly to the beneficiary’s account/mobile wallet,” Doro stated.
The minister further explained that beneficiaries were not required to apply, pay any fee or register through an agent to receive the financial assistance.
The ministry also cautioned Nigerians against sharing their PINs and Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) with anyone.
What MTN Users Should Know Before Checking Their Grant Status
MTN subscribers should ensure they use the official MoMo PSB USSD channel and verify the source of any message claiming to offer access to the Federal Government’s grant.
A message promising guaranteed payment within 24 hours in exchange for sending “YES” to an unfamiliar code should be treated as suspicious.
Subscribers should also remember that:
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Checking eligibility should not require payment to an agent.
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No one should request their OTP, PIN or banking password.
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Beneficiaries should only respond to legitimate notifications from their approved payment providers.
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An unsuccessful eligibility check does not justify using an unofficial code or link.
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Subscribers should rely on official government and payment-provider communication for updates.
The Federal Government’s intervention is intended to support vulnerable households, but subscribers must remain vigilant against fraudsters attempting to exploit the programme.
