FG’s ₦50,000 Support: How OPay Users Can Check Eligibility Without Smartphones

Nigerians using basic mobile phones without internet access can check their eligibility for the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 relief support through OPay’s USSD service.

The facility allows customers to access the service without downloading the OPay application or having an internet connection.

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

Under the programme, eligible beneficiaries are expected to receive ₦50,000 monthly, according to an October 30 announcement by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro.

The minister said the government was working with licensed digital financial service providers to ensure that the funds reached beneficiaries securely and transparently.

OPay is among the approved payment providers alongside Moniepoint, ALAT by Wema Bank, MoMo Payment Service Bank and NairaGram.

How OPay Users Without Smartphones Can Check Eligibility

OPay customers without smartphones can use the USSD code 95520# to access the relief support service.

The following steps can guide users:

1. Pick up the mobile phone linked to your OPay account.
2. Dial 95520# using the registered phone number.
3. Follow the instructions displayed on your phone screen.
4. Select the option to check your eligibility for the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 support.
5. If you have been selected, follow the instructions provided to accept the offer.
6. Give the required consent to receive the payment.

Beneficiaries who successfully complete the process will receive confirmation through an SMS after the payment is credited to their mobile wallets.

The USSD service does not require mobile data, making it accessible to customers using basic phones.

Who Is Eligible For The ₦50,000 Support?

According to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records.

The programme targets poor and vulnerable households across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

The government explained that beneficiaries would be contacted through SMS from approved payment providers, including OPay.

It also clarified that payments would be made in phases, meaning not everyone would receive a notification at the same time.

Importantly, the government said there is no public application form or registration process through which individuals can independently add their names to the beneficiary list.

Customers who are not selected during the current disbursement phase may therefore have to wait for subsequent updates.

How To Receive The ₦50,000 After Selection

Customers who receive an official notification confirming their selection are required to give consent before payment is made.

After accepting the offer through the instructions provided, the beneficiary’s mobile wallet is opened or linked to the registered phone number and National Identification Number (NIN).

The ₦50,000 support is subsequently credited to the wallet, with an SMS notification confirming the transaction.

Beneficiaries can withdraw the money through POS agents or transfer it to their bank accounts.

Is The Application Free?

The federal government has said that participation in the programme, acceptance of the support and receipt of the money are free.

OPay customers do not need to pay agents or intermediaries to check their eligibility or receive the support.

The government has also warned Nigerians against individuals demanding money to facilitate registration, guarantee selection or release payments.

Beneficiaries have been advised not to disclose their transaction PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs) or other confidential banking information.