SERAP Demands Transparency on Tinubu Govt’s ₦50,000 Relief Payments
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Federal Government to disclose details of its ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), including funding, beneficiaries, payment arrangements and safeguards against political interference.
In a Freedom of Information request dated November 7, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, SERAP called for transparency in the implementation and administration of the programme intended to provide financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerians.
The organisation asked the minister to disclose budgetary allocations, funds released and expended, eligibility criteria, beneficiary verification procedures, geographical distribution of beneficiaries and whether the assistance would be a one-off payment or a monthly intervention.
SERAP also demanded details of contracts and agreements with digital financial service providers engaged in administering the payments, including ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint, as well as their respective roles, fees and performance.
It urged the minister to invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor the programme, investigate allegations of corruption and ensure that public funds reach their intended beneficiaries.
The organisation expressed concern over reports that some Nigerians who received notifications of the ₦50,000 assistance were unable to access or withdraw the funds, while others reportedly received messages indicating that they were ineligible.
SERAP called on the ministry to investigate the complaints, publish its findings and ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive the assistance.
It further demanded disclosure of the total number of beneficiaries selected and verified, broken down by state, local government area and, where available, ward.
The organisation also sought clarification on how the National Social Register and national identity records are being used to identify beneficiaries, insisting that adequate safeguards must be in place to protect personal information.
SERAP warned against the use of the programme to reward political supporters, mobilise voters or influence electoral choices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the organisation, beneficiaries must not be required 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,” SERAP stated.
The group cited concerns raised by the Auditor-General of the Federation in the 2024 Annual Report regarding over ₦78.8 billion in public funds allegedly diverted or unaccounted for in the administration of social intervention and cash transfer programmes.
It also referenced reported concerns over ₦33.751 billion in cash transfers made in 2023 for which relevant REMITA records and other supporting documents were allegedly unavailable for audit.
SERAP said these findings underscored the need for proper financial controls, record-keeping, independent verification and effective oversight in the implementation of NERSI.
The organisation gave the minister seven days from the receipt or publication of its letter to provide the requested information and take the proposed measures, warning that it would consider legal action if the government failed to comply.
SERAP maintained that transparent and accountable administration of social assistance programmes was essential to ensuring that public resources serve vulnerable Nigerians and promote their welfare.
