The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a stringent demand to the Federal Government of Nigeria, calling for the immediate publication of comprehensive details concerning its N50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) programme. The organisation has warned that it will initiate legal proceedings if the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction fails to comply with its request within a seven-day period.
SERAP’s Freedom of Information request, dated 7th November 2026, was officially submitted by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and addressed to Dr Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. The Ministry had initially announced the NERSI programme on 30th October 2026, framing it as a vital financial assistance package designed to support vulnerable Nigerians.
However, SERAP has expressed significant concerns, highlighting that the government has not yet provided adequate information regarding the programme’s total budgetary allocation, its precise geographical reach, the intended duration of the intervention, or the specific methodology employed to identify beneficiaries via the National Social Register and national identity records.
"Nigerians have a right to know how public funds allocated to NERSI are being spent, who is receiving the assistance, how beneficiaries are selected and whether the programme is reaching those most in need," SERAP asserted, underscoring the public's right to transparency.
The civil society group also pointed out a notable inconsistency between the Ministry's initial announcement, which described the N50,000 as a monthly payment, and a subsequent frequently asked questions document that did not clearly specify the payment frequency or the overall duration for which beneficiaries would receive support.
Concerns Over Political Interference Ahead Of 2027 Elections
With Nigeria's 2027 general elections looming, SERAP cautioned against the potential for the relief funds to be exploited for political ends. The organisation adamantly insisted that eligibility criteria for the grant must be based strictly on genuine need and objective factors, rather than being influenced by political affiliation.
"Publicly funded social assistance must be allocated strictly on the basis of genuine need and objective eligibility criteria. It must not be used to reward political supporters, secure partisan loyalty, finance political mobilisation or influence the electoral choices of vulnerable Nigerians, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections," SERAP emphasised, highlighting the importance of impartiality.
Furthermore, SERAP urged the Minister to enlist the support of independent anti-corruption bodies, specifically the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This call for external monitoring aims to ensure the transparent implementation and judicious expenditure of the programme's funds.
Questions Raised On Payments And Service Providers
SERAP also voiced apprehension regarding reports from some Nigerians who, despite receiving notifications of payment, encountered difficulties in accessing or withdrawing the allocated funds. Concurrently, other individuals reportedly received messages indicating their ineligibility for the grant. The organisation has formally requested the Ministry to investigate these complaints thoroughly and make its findings public.
Additionally, SERAP has demanded access to copies of the agreements executed with the five digital financial service providers involved in the disbursement process: ALAT by Wema, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay, and Moniepoint. The group seeks clarity on each provider's specific responsibilities, the fees being charged for their services, and the data protection measures implemented to safeguard beneficiaries' information. To bolster its advocacy for enhanced oversight, SERAP referenced the Auditor-General of the Federation's 2024 Annual Report. This report had previously highlighted concerns about over ₦78.8 billion in public funds allegedly diverted or unaccounted for across various past social intervention programmes. It also cited ₦33.751 billion in cash transfers made in 2023, for which relevant REMITA records and other essential supporting documents were reportedly not furnished for audit purposes.
SERAP has informed the Minister that the required information must be provided within seven days of the request's receipt or public announcement, failing which the organisation will proceed with legal action to compel disclosure.
Eligibility For The N50,000 Cash Support
In related news, Legit.ng previously reported that the Federal Government had commenced monthly payments of N50,000 to eligible Nigerians under the NERSI programme. This presidential initiative aims to alleviate the impact of escalating living costs on vulnerable households. Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, announced the programme on Friday, 30th October 2026, confirming that selected beneficiaries would receive direct financial assistance on a monthly basis. He added that the grant amount could be adjusted in response to changes in the cost of living, with beneficiaries receiving advance notification of any such revisions.