The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Federal Government to disclose details of its N50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI). In a Freedom of Information request dated November 7, 2026, SERAP asked the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, to provide information on the programme's funding, beneficiaries, and payment arrangements. This request follows the ministry's public announcement on October 30, 2026, introducing NERSI to provide financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerians.
SERAP's deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, signed the request, emphasizing Nigerians' right to know how public funds allocated to the programme are being spent. The organisation urged the minister to disclose budgetary allocations, funds released and expended, eligibility criteria, beneficiary selection and verification processes, as well as the geographical distribution of beneficiaries. Additionally, SERAP asked the government to clarify whether the N50,000 assistance is a one-off payment or a monthly intervention.
The organisation also called on the minister to invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor the programme's implementation and expenditure. SERAP expressed concern over reports that some Nigerians who received notifications of the N50,000 assistance had been unable to access or withdraw the funds, while others reportedly received messages indicating that they were ineligible.
SERAP further demanded the disclosure of agreements with digital financial service providers engaged to administer the payments, including ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay, and Moniepoint. The organisation requested details of the roles, fees, and performance of the service providers, alongside information on the mechanisms for independently verifying payments and resolving complaints.
On concerns about political interference, SERAP warned that the programme must not be used to reward political supporters, secure partisan loyalty, or influence the electoral choices of vulnerable Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections. The organisation stated that beneficiaries must not be required or encouraged to attend political rallies, support political parties or candidates, display political materials, or demonstrate political loyalty as a condition for receiving the assistance.
SERAP linked its demand for transparency to concerns raised by the Auditor-General of the Federation in the 2024 Annual Report regarding over N78.8 billion in public funds allegedly diverted or unaccounted for in the administration of social intervention and cash transfer programmes. The organisation cited Sections 13, 15(5), 16(2)(b), and 17(3)(d) of the Nigerian Constitution, which address government accountability, the distribution of national resources, the fight against corruption, and the welfare responsibilities of the state.
SERAP asked the minister to provide the requested information and implement the proposed accountability measures within seven days of receiving or being notified of the letter. Failure to comply within the stipulated period would prompt SERAP to consider legal action to compel the ministry and other relevant authorities to fulfil their constitutional and statutory obligations.
Key points
- SERAP demands transparency in the N50,000 cash transfer programme, citing concerns over public fund management and potential political interference.
- The organisation requests details of funding, beneficiaries, and payment arrangements, as well as the involvement of digital financial service providers.
- SERAP warns of potential legal action if the ministry fails to comply with its demands within seven days.
