SERAP gives FG 7-day ultimatum to disclose details of ₦50,000 relief funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding full disclosure on the funding and administration of the N50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI).

SERAP, in a request dated November 7, 2026, asked the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, to publish the beneficiary selection process and the contract agreements with digital financial providers.

The intervention programme announced on October 30, was designed to distribute financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerians.

The civil society organisation urged the government to invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor the expenditure of the program to prevent political manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.


SERAP, through its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stressed that publicly funded social assistance must be allocated based on need and not as a tool to secure partisan loyalty ahead of the upcoming 2027 elections.

“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 office-holder or political party.”

SERAP also raised alarms over reports of eligible Nigerians failing to access the funds after receiving notifications. The group demanded clear operational guidelines and accountability from the digital payment platforms engaged for the disbursements, which include ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay, and Moniepoint.

The organisation urged the ministry to investigate these failed payment channels and publish anonymised data showing the exact amount paid across all states and local government areas.

SERAP, while referencing the 2024 Annual Report from the Auditor-General of the Federation, revealed that over N78.8 billion in public funds meant for previous social interventions was unaccounted for, alongside another N33.751 billion missing from 2023 cash transfers.

The organisation reiterated its commitment to accountability, stating it will take legal action to compel the ministry and relevant authorities if the requested details are not provided within the stipulated seven days.