The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Federal Government seven days to provide a detailed account of the funding and disbursement of its N50,000 emergency relief package for vulnerable Nigerians, warning that it may institute legal action if the government fails to comply.
The organization is demanding transparency in the implementation of the National Emergency Relief and Stabilization Intervention (NERSI), following concerns over the selection of beneficiaries, payment arrangements, accountability mechanisms and possible political interference ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a Freedom of Information (FoI) request dated November 7 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP asked the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, to disclose comprehensive details of the programme, including the total funds allocated, released and expended.
The request followed the ministry’s October 30 announcement of the N50,000 emergency assistance scheme, which SERAP said had generated several unanswered questions regarding its funding structure, geographical coverage, intended number of beneficiaries and payment frequency.
According to the organization, Nigerians deserve to know how public resources allocated to the intervention are being managed, who qualifies for the assistance and whether the programme is reaching the people it was designed to support.
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SERAP Raises Concerns Over Possible Political Interference
A major concern raised by SERAP is the possibility of the emergency relief programme being exploited for political purposes ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The organization insisted that the N50,000 assistance must be distributed strictly on the basis of genuine economic and social vulnerability rather than political affiliation or loyalty to any individual, political party or government official.
It warned that beneficiaries must not be required to attend political rallies, endorse candidates, display campaign materials or demonstrate support for any political group before receiving the financial assistance.
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SERAP further maintained that NERSI is a government intervention funded with public resources and should not be portrayed as a personal donation, favor or gift from any political office holder or political party.
Beneficiaries Reportedly Unable to Access Payments
The organization also expressed concern over complaints that some Nigerians who received payment notifications were unable to access or withdraw their funds, while others were reportedly informed that they did not qualify for the intervention.
SERAP urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to investigate these complaints, resolve failed transactions and address cases of wrongful exclusion.
It also requested the publication of relevant agreements between the government and the digital financial service providers involved in the payment process.
The companies specifically mentioned in the request include ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
According to SERAP, making these arrangements public would help establish accountability and enable Nigerians to understand how the funds are being transferred to intended beneficiaries.
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Organization Demands Breakdown of Beneficiaries Across States
Beyond the financial details, SERAP is seeking a comprehensive breakdown of beneficiaries and payments across the country.
It wants the government to disclose the number of people selected to receive the N50,000 assistance in each state and local government area and, where available, at ward level.
The organization also requested information on how the National Social Register and national identity records are being utilized to identify eligible recipients.
It emphasized the need for adequate safeguards to protect beneficiaries’ personal information, while ensuring that the selection and payment processes are subjected to independent scrutiny.
SERAP Calls for ICPC and EFCC Monitoring
To strengthen oversight and prevent possible financial irregularities, SERAP urged the humanitarian affairs minister to invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor the implementation of the intervention.
The organization wants both anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations of corruption, monitor the disbursement process and help ensure that the financial assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.
In support of its demand for stronger accountability, SERAP cited the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2024 Annual Report, which reportedly raised concerns over more than N78.8 billion allegedly diverted or unaccounted for in previous social intervention and cash transfer programmes.
It also referenced audit queries involving N33.751 billion in cash transfers made in 2023, for which REMITA records and other supporting documents were allegedly not provided for examination.
SERAP argued that these findings demonstrate the importance of proper financial documentation, transparent reporting, independent verification and effective monitoring of government-funded social protection programmes.
Organization Cites Constitution and International Anti-Corruption Obligations
SERAP anchored its Freedom of Information request on Sections 13, 15(5), 16(2)(b) and 17(3)(d) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, as well as the country’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
The organization maintained that public authorities have a responsibility to ensure that government resources are managed transparently and used for the benefit of Nigerians, particularly vulnerable citizens who depend on social protection interventions.
It further argued that public disclosure of the programme’s financial and operational details would strengthen citizens’ confidence in government assistance schemes and reduce the risk of mismanagement.
In its request, SERAP stated that transparency would help ensure that resources intended for vulnerable Nigerians are utilized for their designated purposes.
Federal Government Given Seven Days to Respond
SERAP has demanded that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction provide the requested information within seven days of receiving or publishing its letter.
The organization warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period could result in legal action against the ministry and other relevant authorities.
SERAP stated that it would consider approaching the appropriate court to compel the government to fulfil its constitutional and statutory obligations and guarantee transparent and accountable implementation of NERSI.
The development places renewed attention on the management of government-funded social intervention programmes, particularly the need to ensure that financial assistance intended for economically vulnerable Nigerians is distributed fairly, transparently and without political considerations.
As Nigerians await further details about the N50,000 relief package, questions surrounding its funding, eligibility requirements, payment arrangements and accountability mechanisms remain central to the debate over the implementation of the intervention.
