SERAP to Tinubu govt: Disclose details of ₦50,000 relief payments, beneficiaries, safeguards

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro “to disclose details of the funding, implementation and administration of the ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), including beneficiary selection, payments, contracts with digital financial service providers and safeguards against political interference.” SERAP’s request follows the Ministry’s public statement of 30 October 2026 announcing NERSI, which is intended to provide ₦50,000 in financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerians.

However, questions remain about the programme’s funding, geographical coverage, and engagement of digital financial service providers. SERAP urged the Minister “to disclose details of the budgetary allocations, funds released and expended, eligibility criteria, beneficiary selection and verification processes, geographical distribution of beneficiaries, and whether the ₦50,000 assistance is intended as a one-off payment or a monthly intervention.” SERAP also 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 the programme’s implementation and expenditure, investigate allegations of corruption, and help ensure that the funds reach their intended beneficiaries.” In a Freedom of Information request dated 7 November 2026 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation 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 said, “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.” According to SERAP, “Beneficiaries must not be required or encouraged to attend political rallies, support political parties or candidates, display political materials or demonstrate political loyalty as a condition for receiving assistance.

NERSI is a government programme funded with public resources, not a personal gift or political benefit from any office-holder or political party.” The request, read in part: “Access to the requested information would enable Nigerians to assess whether NERSI is reaching eligible and vulnerable persons, whether public funds are being properly accounted for, and whether adequate safeguards exist against political interference, corruption and misappropriation.” “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.” “We would be grateful if the requested information and measures are provided and taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.” “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.” “SERAP is also concerned by reports that some Nigerians who received notifications of the ₦50,000 assistance have been unable to access or withdraw the funds, while others reportedly encountered messages indicating that they were not eligible.” “These reports raise questions about the accuracy of beneficiary verification, the reliability of payment arrangements and the effectiveness of mechanisms for resolving failed or disputed payments.” “The Ministry should urgently investigate these complaints, publish its findings and ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive the assistance intended for them.” “SERAP is further asking the Ministry to disclose agreements with the digital financial service providers engaged to administer NERSI payments, including ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint, as well as the roles, fees and performance of the providers.” “The use of the National Social Register and national identity records to identify beneficiaries must be governed by clear rules and appropriate data-protection safeguards.

The Ministry should disclose how these records are being used and ensure that beneficiaries’ personal information is protected, while making anonymised and aggregated information available for public scrutiny.” “SERAP recognises the importance of providing financial assistance and social protection to Nigerians experiencing poverty and economic hardship.” “However, a programme involving public funds and the personal information of vulnerable households must be administered according to