The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the Federal Government to provide detailed information on the implementation and management of its N50,000 cash relief programme for vulnerable Nigerians.
The organisation made the demand in a Freedom of Information request dated November 7, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro.
SERAP specifically requested details of the programme’s funding, beneficiary selection process, payment arrangements and measures put in place to prevent corruption and political interference.
The request follows the Federal Government’s announcement of the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), which is designed to provide financial assistance to vulnerable households struggling with the rising cost of living.
The group expressed concern that the government had not provided sufficient information about the programme’s total budget, duration, geographical coverage and criteria for selecting beneficiaries.
It also questioned whether the N50,000 assistance would be paid monthly or as a one-time grant, noting that conflicting information had emerged from the ministry’s public announcements and its frequently asked questions document.
In its request, SERAP stated, “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.”
The organisation further warned against the possible use of the relief programme for political purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It insisted that the selection and payment of beneficiaries must be based strictly on genuine financial need rather than political affiliation or loyalty.
“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,” SERAP said.
The group also maintained that beneficiaries should not be compelled to attend political rallies, support candidates or display party materials as a condition for receiving the assistance.
SERAP called on the ministry to disclose the agreements it entered into with digital financial service providers responsible for distributing the funds, including ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
It requested information on the responsibilities of the payment companies, the fees they charge and the measures adopted to protect beneficiaries’ personal information.
The organisation also raised concerns over reports that some Nigerians who received payment notifications were unable to access their funds, while others reportedly received messages indicating that they were not eligible.
It urged the ministry to investigate the complaints and publish its findings, insisting that all qualified beneficiaries should receive the assistance without unnecessary difficulties.
Furthermore, SERAP called for the involvement of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in monitoring the programme’s implementation and expenditure.
The organisation cited concerns raised in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2024 annual report over more than N78.8bn allegedly diverted or unaccounted for in the administration of social intervention and cash transfer programmes.
It also referred to questions surrounding N33.751bn in cash transfers made in 2023 for which supporting documents and relevant REMITA records were reportedly not provided for audit.
According to SERAP, these findings make transparency, proper financial documentation and independent monitoring necessary to prevent similar problems in the new intervention.
The organisation urged the minister to publish anonymised records showing the number of beneficiaries and the amounts disbursed across states and local government areas.
It gave the ministry seven days to provide the requested information and address its concerns, warning that it would consider legal action if the government failed to comply.
SERAP maintained that Nigerians deserve accountability in the management of public funds, particularly resources meant to support vulnerable households.
