SERAP Seeks Full Transparency on FG’s ₦50,000 NERSI Cash Relief Scheme

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded that the Federal Government launch complete particulars on the funding, rollout and administration of its ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI). 

In a Freedom of Information request dated 7 November 2026 and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group wrote to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro. The request comes after the ministry introduced the programme on 30 October 2026, geared toward giving susceptible Nigerians ₦50,000 in monetary assist.

SERAP mentioned key data stays unclear, together with the programme’s total price range, geographic attain, length, and the way beneficiaries are chosen from the National Social Register and verified nationwide id data. It particularly requested for particulars on budgetary allocations, funds launched and spent, eligibility guidelines, verification processes, and the distribution of recipients throughout states and native authorities areas.

The organisation additionally sought clarification on whether or not the ₦50,000 is a one-time cost or a month-to-month assist, noting inconsistencies between the ministry’s preliminary assertion (which described it as month-to-month) and a later steadily requested questions doc.

SERAP raised issues about potential political interference, particularly with the 2027 elections approaching. It insisted that publicly funded support should be primarily based solely on want and clear standards, and should not be used to reward supporters, mobilise voters or affect electoral decisions. Beneficiaries shouldn’t be required to attend rallies, again candidates or show political supplies to obtain the cash.

The group additional referred to as on the minister to ask the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to watch implementation, examine any corruption claims and make sure the funds attain meant recipients.

SERAP highlighted experiences that some individuals who obtained cost notifications couldn’t entry or withdraw the cash, whereas others have been informed they have been ineligible. It urged the ministry to research these points, publish findings and guarantee all eligible individuals obtain the assist.

The organisation additionally requested disclosure of contracts with the digital cost suppliers dealing with the transfers — ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint — together with their roles, charges and efficiency, in addition to data-protection measures for beneficiaries’ private data drawn from the National Social Register and nationwide id data.

It requested for anonymised figures exhibiting the variety of beneficiaries and quantities paid or due in every state and native authorities space, plus any data of political actors’ involvement in choice, funds or database entry.

SERAP linked the request to findings within the Auditor-General’s 2024 Annual Report, which flagged greater than ₦78.8 billion in social intervention and cash-transfer funds as diverted or unaccounted for, together with ₦33.751 billion in 2023 transfers that lacked correct REMITA data and supporting paperwork. These points, it mentioned, spotlight the necessity for robust monetary controls and unbiased oversight from the beginning of NERSI.

The group gave the minister seven days to provide the data and take the steered steps, warning that it might contemplate authorized motion if the request is ignored.

Click to signup for FREE information updates, newest data and hottest gists on a regular basis

Advertise on NOP NIGERIA to succeed in 1000’s of our each day customers