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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Federal Government seven days to account for the funding and disbursement of its N50,000 emergency relief package for vulnerable Nigerians or face legal action, warning that the intervention must not be used to buy political loyalty or influence voters ahead of the 2027 general election.
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 funds allocated, released and spent under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), alongside beneficiary selection criteria, payment arrangements and safeguards against political interference.
The request followed the ministry’s October 30 announcement of the N50,000 assistance scheme, which SERAP said had left unanswered questions about its funding, geographical coverage, number of intended beneficiaries and whether the payment was a one-off intervention or a monthly allowance.
“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.”
The organisation insisted that publicly funded social assistance must be based on genuine need rather than political affiliation, stressing that beneficiaries should not be compelled to attend rallies, endorse candidates, display campaign materials or demonstrate political loyalty before receiving payments.
It maintained that NERSI was a government programme funded with public resources and must not be presented as a personal gift or political favour from any office holder or political party.
The organisation also raised concerns over reports that some Nigerians who received payment notifications could not access or withdraw their funds, while others were reportedly informed that they were ineligible.
It urged the ministry to investigate the complaints and resolve failed payments and wrongful exclusions, while publishing details of its agreements with digital financial service providers, including ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
SERAP sought a breakdown of beneficiaries and payments by state, local government area and, where available, ward, as well as information on how the National Social Register and national identity records were being used to identify recipients.
It also called for adequate protection of beneficiaries’ personal information and independent scrutiny of the payment process.
The organisation 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 implementation, investigate corruption allegations and ensure that the assistance reached its intended beneficiaries.
Justifying its demand for oversight, 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 referred to 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.
According to the organisation, the findings underscored the need for stronger financial controls, proper documentation and independent verification of government-funded assistance programmes.
SERAP anchored its request on Sections 13, 15(5), 16(2)(b) and 17(3)(d) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
“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,” it stated.
The organisation demanded compliance within seven days of receipt or publication of its 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,” it warned.
