The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, to disclose details of the ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI). This includes information on funding, implementation, beneficiary selection, payments, contracts with digital financial service providers, and safeguards against political interference. SERAP made the demand in a Freedom of Information request dated November 7, 2026.
The request follows the ministry's October 30, 2026, announcement of NERSI, a government intervention designed to provide ₦50,000 in financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerians. However, SERAP noted that several critical details about the programme remain undisclosed. These include the total funding, the number of intended beneficiaries, geographical coverage, duration, and criteria for identifying and selecting recipients.
SERAP also raised concerns over inconsistencies in the ministry's communication about the frequency of payments. While the October 30 statement described the assistance as a monthly payment, a subsequent frequently asked questions document did not clearly specify the payment frequency or duration. The organisation urged Doro to publish the programme's budgetary allocations, funds released and expended, eligibility criteria, beneficiary selection and verification procedures, and the geographical distribution of recipients.
The organisation also demanded clarification on whether the ₦50,000 assistance would be a one-off payment or a recurring monthly intervention. SERAP stated that Nigerians have a right to know how public funds allocated to NERSI are being spent, who is receiving the assistance, and whether the programme is reaching those most in need. The organisation warned against using the intervention for political patronage or electoral advantage, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
To strengthen accountability, SERAP urged the minister to publicly 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. The organisation also called on the agencies to investigate allegations of corruption and help ensure that the funds reach their intended beneficiaries.
SERAP expressed concern over reports that some Nigerians who received notifications of the ₦50,000 assistance had been unable to access or withdraw the funds, while others reportedly received messages indicating that they were ineligible. The organisation urged the ministry to investigate the complaints, publish its findings, and ensure that eligible Nigerians receive the payments.
SERAP gave the minister seven days to provide the requested information, warning that it could institute legal action if the ministry fails to comply. The organisation cited concerns over failed payments and previous audit findings on social intervention funds.
Key points
- SERAP demands full disclosure of funding, beneficiary selection, and payment records for ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention.
- The organisation urges the ICPC and EFCC to monitor the intervention and investigate alleged irregularities.
- SERAP threatens legal action if the government fails to provide the requested information within seven days.
