SERAP Demands Full Details of N50,000 NERSI Payments, Threatens Court Action

SERAP has asked the federal government to publish full details of the N50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) and warned it will go to court if the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction fails to respond within seven days. The rights group sent a Freedom of Information request dated November 7, 2026, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare and addressed to Minister Dr Bernard Doro.

The ministry announced NERSI on October 30, 2026 as a financial assistance package for vulnerable Nigerians.

Questions Over Selection and Payment

SERAP said the government has not shared enough information on the programme's total budget, geographical reach, duration or how beneficiaries are identified through the National Social Register and national identity records. It also flagged a discrepancy between the ministry's initial announcement, which described the N50,000 as a monthly payment, and a subsequent frequently asked questions document that did not clearly state how often beneficiaries would be paid or for how long.

The group 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."

SERAP also raised concerns over reports that some Nigerians who received payment notifications could not access or withdraw the money, while others got messages that they were ineligible. It asked the ministry to investigate the complaints and make its findings public.

Political Risk Ahead of 2027

With Nigeria's 2027 general elections approaching, SERAP cautioned against the relief funds being used for political purposes. It said eligibility must be based strictly on genuine need and not political affiliation.

SERAP said: "Publicly funded social assistance must be allocated strictly on the basis of 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, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections."

The organisation called on the minister to invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to independently monitor the programme's implementation and expenditure.

Audit Concerns and Payment Providers

SERAP requested copies of agreements with the five digital financial service providers involved in disbursement: ALAT by Wema, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint. It wants clarity on each provider's responsibilities, fees and data protection measures.

It pointed to the Auditor-General of the Federation's 2024 Annual Report, which raised concerns about more than N78.8bn in public funds allegedly diverted or unaccounted for across past social intervention programmes. It also cited N33.751bn in cash transfers made in 2023 for which relevant REMITA records and other supporting documents were reportedly not provided for audit.

The minister has seven days from receipt or publication of the request to provide the information, after which SERAP will consider legal action. The federal government had earlier begun paying N50,000 monthly to eligible Nigerians under NERSI, a presidential initiative aimed at cushioning the impact of rising living costs on vulnerable households. Minister Bernard Doro announced the programme on Friday, October 30, 2026, saying selected beneficiaries would receive direct financial support every month. He added that the amount could be adjusted based on changes in the cost of living, with beneficiaries notified in advance of any changes.