The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Federal Government seven days to disclose details of its ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), including its funding, beneficiary selection and payment process.
SERAP made the demand in a Freedom of Information request dated November 7, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro.
The organisation wants the ministry to disclose the programme’s total funding, budgetary allocations, releases, expenditure, eligibility criteria, verification process and geographical distribution of beneficiaries.
It also asked the government to clarify whether the ₦50,000 support is a one-off or monthly payment. SERAP said the ministry’s October 30 announcement described it as monthly, but subsequent frequently asked questions did not specify how long the payments would last.
In the request signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP raised concerns over reports that some recipients received payment notifications but could not access or withdraw the funds, while others were declared ineligible.
It urged the ministry to investigate the complaints and ensure that qualified beneficiaries receive the assistance.
SERAP also requested copies of agreements with the digital financial service providers reportedly engaged to administer the payments, including ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
It wants details of their roles, fees and performance, as well as safeguards for beneficiaries’ personal data.
The group called for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to independently monitor the scheme’s implementation and expenditure.
It warned that the intervention must not be used to reward political supporters or influence voters ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that assistance should be based solely on need and objective eligibility criteria.
SERAP cited 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.
It also referenced ₦33.751 billion in cash transfers made in 2023 for which relevant Remita records and supporting documents were reportedly unavailable for audit.
The organisation said transparent disbursement, independent oversight and proper financial controls were necessary to prevent similar accountability concerns.
SERAP warned that it would consider legal action if the minister failed to provide the requested information within seven days.
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