The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, to disclose details of the funding and administration of the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI).
The organisation warned that the relief programme must not be used to reward political supporters or influence voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a Freedom of Information request dated November 7, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP demanded information on the programme’s budget, funds released and spent, eligibility requirements, beneficiary selection and verification processes, and distribution across the country.
The request followed the ministry’s October 30 announcement of the intervention, which is intended to provide financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerians.
SERAP said the government had yet to clearly explain the programme’s total funding, duration, geographical coverage and the role of digital financial service providers involved in payments.
The organisation also sought clarification on whether the ₦50,000 assistance would be paid monthly or as a one-off intervention, noting that public information on the payment frequency had been inconsistent.
SERAP said social assistance funded with public resources must be distributed according to genuine need and objective criteria, rather than political affiliation.
It stressed that beneficiaries must not be required to attend political rallies, support political parties or candidates, display political materials or demonstrate political loyalty as a condition for receiving the funds.
SERAP raises concerns over payment complaints
The organisation also expressed concern over reports that some Nigerians had received notifications confirming their eligibility for the relief payment but were unable to access or withdraw the money.
Others, it said, had reportedly encountered messages indicating that they were not eligible.
SERAP urged the ministry to investigate the complaints, publish its findings and ensure that all qualified beneficiaries receive their payments.
It also requested details of agreements between the ministry and digital financial service providers engaged to administer the programme, including ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
The group said Nigerians deserved to know the roles and fees of the payment providers, how transactions would be independently verified and what mechanisms were available for resolving disputed payments.
SERAP further called for disclosure of the methodology used to select and verify beneficiaries through the National Social Register and national identity records.
It asked the ministry to publish anonymised figures showing the number of beneficiaries and the amounts paid or scheduled for payment in each state and local government area, while protecting recipients’ personal information.
The organisation also sought information on any involvement of political actors in beneficiary selection, access to beneficiary databases, and complaints or investigations concerning possible partisan influence.
Seven-day deadline issued
SERAP gave the minister seven days from receipt or publication of its request to provide the information and take the measures outlined in its letter.
It warned that failure to comply would prompt it to consider legal action to compel the ministry and relevant authorities to meet their constitutional and statutory obligations.
The organisation said transparency was particularly important in view of concerns raised by the Auditor-General of the Federation in the 2024 Annual Report over more than ₦78.8 billion in public funds allegedly diverted or unaccounted for in the administration of social intervention and cash transfer programmes.
SERAP cited findings concerning ₦33.751 billion in cash transfers made in 2023 for which relevant REMITA records and other supporting documents were reportedly not provided for audit.
It argued that the concerns underscored the need for effective financial controls, proper record-keeping, independent verification and oversight of NERSI.
While acknowledging the importance of financial assistance to Nigerians facing poverty and economic hardship, SERAP maintained that the programme must operate under clear rules and transparent procedures.
It said disclosure of the requested information would help strengthen public confidence, guard against corruption and political interference, and ensure that the relief funds reach those who genuinely need them.
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