SERAP raises corruption fears over FG’s N50,000 relief scheme

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has raised concerns over possible corruption and political interference in the Federal Government’s N50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention, urging the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, to disclose details of the funding, beneficiary selection and payment arrangements for the scheme.

SERAP also asked the minister to invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to monitor the programme’s implementation, investigate allegations of corruption and ensure that the funds reach intended beneficiaries.

The organisation made the demands in a Freedom of Information request dated November 7, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

The request followed the ministry’s October 30 announcement of the intervention, which is intended to provide N50,000 in financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerians.

SERAP said important questions remained unanswered about the programme’s total funding, geographical coverage, duration, eligibility requirements and the selection of beneficiaries from the National Social Register and verified national identity records.

It 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.”

The organisation also raised concerns about reports that some Nigerians who received notifications of the N50,000 assistance had been unable to access or withdraw the funds, while others reportedly received messages indicating that they were ineligible.

“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,” SERAP said.

It urged the ministry to investigate the complaints, publish its findings and ensure that all eligible beneficiaries received the assistance.

The organisation further asked Doro to clarify whether the N50,000 was a one-off payment or a monthly intervention, noting that the ministry’s public statement described it as a monthly payment, while its subsequent frequently asked questions document did not clearly state the frequency or duration.

SERAP also demanded the disclosure of agreements with the digital financial service providers engaged to administer the payments, including ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.

It asked the ministry to publish the roles, fees and performance of the providers, as well as details of the selection and oversight process.

On the risk of political interference, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections, SERAP warned that the programme must not be used to reward political supporters or influence voters.

“Publicly funded social assistance must be allocated strictly based on 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,” it said.

The organisation added that 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 officeholder or political party,” it stated.

SERAP also asked the ministry to disclose any records of political actors’ involvement in beneficiary selection and payments, access to beneficiary databases and complaints or investigations relating to partisan influence.

It called for the publication of anonymised information showing the number of beneficiaries and the amounts paid or scheduled for payment in each state and local government area, as well as ward-level figures where available and appropriate.

The organisation also sought details of how the National Social Register and national identity records were being used to identify beneficiaries, urging the ministry to establish safeguards to protect their personal information.

“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,” it said.

SERAP said the ministry should also provide effective mechanisms for addressing complaints, disputed selections, failed payments and wrongful exclusions.

It cited concerns raised by the Auditor-General of the Federation in the 2024 Annual Report regarding more than N78.8bn in public funds allegedly diverted or unaccounted for in the administration of social intervention and cash transfer programmes.

It further referred to an alleged N33.751bn in cash transfers made in 2023 for which relevant REMITA records and other supporting documents were reportedly not provided for audit.

“These findings underscore the importance of adequate financial controls, proper record-keeping, independent verification and effective oversight from the outset of the new intervention,” SERAP said.

The organisation cited sections 15(5), 16(2)(b), 13 and 17(3)(d) of the Constitution, arguing that transparent administration of social assistance programmes was important to the government’s constitutional responsibilities and the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.

It also said Nigeria had binding obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption to promote integrity, accountability and transparency in the management of public affairs and public funds.

SERAP asked the minister to provide the requested information and take the proposed measures within seven days of receiving or the publication of the letter.

It warned that failure to respond within the period would prompt it to consider legal action.

“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 said.