The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the Federal Government to explain how the ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) is being funded and run, warning that the programme must not be used to 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, the organisation urged the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, to disclose details of the funding, implementation and administration of the scheme.
These include beneficiary selection, payments, contracts with digital financial service providers and safeguards against political interference.
The request followed the Ministry’s public statement of October 30, 2026, announcing NERSI as a ₦50,000 financial assistance for vulnerable Nigerians. SERAP said questions remain about the programme’s funding, geographical coverage and the engagement of digital financial service providers.
In a statement on Sunday, the group asked the Minister to disclose budgetary allocations, funds released and spent, eligibility criteria, beneficiary selection and verification processes, and the geographical spread of beneficiaries. It also wants to know whether the ₦50,000 is a one-off payment or a monthly intervention.
SERAP further urged him to publicly invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor implementation and spending, investigate corruption allegations and help ensure the funds reach intended beneficiaries.
The request said: “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 stressed that publicly funded social assistance must be based strictly on genuine need and objective eligibility criteria, and must not be used to reward political supporters, secure partisan loyalty, finance political mobilisation or sway the choices of vulnerable Nigerians.
According to the group, beneficiaries must not be required or encouraged to attend rallies, support parties or candidates, display political materials or show political loyalty to receive assistance.
It added that NERSI is a government programme funded with public resources, not a personal gift or political benefit from any office holder or party.
The organisation also voiced concern over reports that some Nigerians who received notifications of the payment could not access or withdraw the funds, while others reportedly got messages saying they were ineligible.
It said these reports raise questions about the accuracy of beneficiary verification, the reliability of payment arrangements and the mechanisms for resolving failed or disputed payments. The Ministry, it said, should urgently investigate the complaints, publish its findings and ensure all eligible beneficiaries are paid.
SERAP also asked the Ministry to disclose its agreements with the digital financial service providers engaged for the payments, including ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint, as well as their roles, fees and performance.
It said the use of the National Social Register and national identity records must be governed by clear rules and data protection safeguards, with anonymised and aggregated information made available for public scrutiny.
The group noted that the Ministry’s statement describes the payment as monthly, while its later FAQ does not clearly state the frequency or duration.
It said the Ministry has also not provided enough information on the total funding, the number of intended beneficiaries, the selection and oversight of payment providers, the protection of personal data, independent verification of payments, or complaint and wrongful exclusion mechanisms.
SERAP asked for a breakdown of beneficiaries and amounts paid or scheduled for payment by state and local government area and, where available, by ward.
It also wants records of any involvement of political actors in beneficiary selection and payments, access to beneficiary databases, the use of public resources to promote the programme, and any complaints or investigations on partisan influence.
The organisation pointed to the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2024 Annual Report, which raised concerns over more than ₦78.8 billion allegedly diverted or unaccounted for in social intervention and cash transfer programmes.
The Auditor-General also reportedly flagged ₦33.751 billion in cash transfers made in 2023 for which REMITA records and other supporting documents were not provided for audit.
SERAP said these findings underline the need for proper financial controls, record keeping, independent verification and oversight from the start.
Citing the Constitution, SERAP noted that Section 15(5) requires the State to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power, while Section 16(2)(b) directs policy towards harnessing and distributing the community’s material resources for the common good.
It also referred to Section 13, which binds all organs of government to observe Chapter II, and Section 17(3)(d), which lists welfare matters the State should pursue.
It added that Nigeria has made binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to promote integrity, accountability and transparency in managing public funds.
The request said: “Disclosure would also strengthen public confidence in social protection programmes and help ensure that resources intended for vulnerable Nigerians are used for their intended purposes.”
SERAP asked that the information be provided and the measures taken within seven days of receipt or publication of the letter.
It warned: “If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action to compel the Ministry and other relevant authorities to fulfil their constitutional and statutory obligations and ensure the proper, transparent and accountable implementation of NERSI in the public interest.”
