What “Not Selected” Means for Nigerians Seeking FG’s ₦50,000 Grant

According to Punch Newspapers, published on November 6, 2026, the Federal Government has explained why some Nigerians checking their eligibility for the ₦50,000 relief grant receive a “Not Selected” message.

The clarification concerns the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), introduced to provide financial assistance to vulnerable households struggling with rising living costs.

Under the programme, selected beneficiaries receive ₦50,000 through approved financial service providers. However, the government has explained that not everyone will be included in the current payment phase because the intervention is designed to support a limited number of households at a time.

According to the government’s frequently asked questions published on the NERSI website, payments are being distributed in batches. This means some selected beneficiaries may receive their notification later than others.

The government explained that people who check their eligibility and are not included in the beneficiary list will receive a message stating that they are currently not selected to receive the relief support.

Beneficiaries are identified through verified national identity records and the National Social Register. The selection process is based on need, with the programme covering households across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

However, having a National Identification Number (NIN) or being listed in the social register does not automatically guarantee payment. Individuals cannot submit applications or arrange to have their names added to the beneficiary list.

The government has also warned Nigerians against fraudsters claiming they can secure a place on the list or speed up payments in exchange for money. It stressed that nobody can influence the selection process for a fee.

Selected beneficiaries receive text messages from approved payment providers, including ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint. They must follow the instructions provided to accept the offer before the money is credited to their mobile wallets.

For enquiries about the intervention, Nigerians can contact the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.

The government has also advised beneficiaries never to disclose their PINs, One-Time Passwords or Bank Verification Numbers to anyone claiming to assist them with the grant.

Although payment notifications are being sent in batches, the government has not guaranteed that everyone marked “Not Selected” will receive the money in a subsequent phase.