The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has given the Federal Government seven days to disclose details of its N50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention.
The organisation is demanding transparency regarding the programme’s funding, beneficiary selection, payment arrangements and safeguards against political interference.
SERAP 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, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
The request followed the ministry’s October 30 announcement of the intervention, which is designed to provide financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerians.
SERAP called on the minister to publish details of the programme’s total budget, funds released and expenditure, eligibility requirements, verification procedures and the distribution of beneficiaries across states and local government areas.
The organisation also expressed concern over conflicting information about the frequency of the payments, noting that while the ministry initially described the N50,000 support as a monthly intervention, its subsequent frequently asked questions document did not clearly establish how often or how long beneficiaries would receive the money.
In the request, SERAP said Nigerians deserved full disclosure about the management of the public funds.
“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,” it stated.
The organisation also warned against the possible politicisation of the intervention ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It insisted that access to the financial assistance must be determined by genuine need rather than political affiliation or support for any candidate.
“Publicly funded social assistance must be allocated strictly based on 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.
It further maintained that beneficiaries should not be compelled to participate in political activities or demonstrate allegiance to any political party as a condition for receiving the money.
SERAP also urged the minister to invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to monitor the programme and investigate possible financial irregularities.
Raising concerns about the payment process, the organisation said it had received reports of beneficiaries who were notified of the N50,000 assistance but could not access or withdraw the funds, while some others reportedly received messages indicating that they were ineligible.
It called for an investigation into the complaints and the publication of findings, adding that eligible Nigerians should receive their payments without unnecessary delays.
The group also requested copies of agreements between the ministry and the digital financial service providers handling the disbursement, including ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
It sought clarification on their respective responsibilities, service charges, performance and measures put in place to protect beneficiaries’ personal information.
Additionally, SERAP asked the government to publish anonymised records showing the number of beneficiaries and the amounts paid or scheduled for payment in each state and local government area.
To strengthen its demand for accountability, the organisation referenced the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2024 Annual Report, which raised concerns about more than N78.8bn allegedly diverted or unaccounted for in the administration of social intervention and cash transfer programmes.
It also cited questions surrounding N33.751bn in cash transfers reportedly made in 2023 without the provision of relevant REMITA records and other supporting documents for audit purposes.
SERAP said the findings highlighted the need for proper financial controls, transparent record-keeping and independent monitoring of the new intervention.
It warned that failure to provide the requested information within seven days of receiving or publishing the letter could prompt legal action against the ministry and other relevant authorities to compel compliance with their constitutional and statutory obligations.
