SERAP Asks Tinubu To Disclose Beneficiaries, Payments, Contracts For N50,000 Emergency Relief Scheme, Warns Against 2027 Vote-Buying

The group warned against the possible use of the poverty intervention to reward political supporters, secure partisan loyalty, finance political mobilisation or influence the electoral choices of vulnerable Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked President Bola Tinubu to publicly disclose details of the Nigerian Government’s ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), including the identities and selection process of beneficiaries, payments made and contracts with digital financial service providers such as OPay, Moniepoint, ALAT, MoMo PSB and NairaGram.

SERAP also urged Tinubu to direct the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, to disclose the programme’s funding, implementation and administration, amid concerns over alleged payment failures, beneficiary verification and possible political interference ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a Freedom of Information request dated November 7, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group demanded details of budgetary allocations, funds released and expended, eligibility criteria, beneficiary selection and verification processes, as well as the geographical distribution of beneficiaries.

SERAP also asked the government to clarify whether the ₦50,000 assistance is a one-off payment or a monthly intervention, noting that while the ministry’s October 30, 2026 public announcement described the assistance as a monthly payment, its subsequent frequently asked questions document did not clearly specify the frequency and duration of the intervention.

The group further urged Tinubu to publicly invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor the programme’s implementation and expenditure, investigate allegations of corruption and ensure that the funds reach their intended beneficiaries.

“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 stated.

The group warned against the possible use of the poverty intervention to reward political supporters, secure partisan loyalty, finance political mobilisation or influence the electoral choices of vulnerable Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“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,” SERAP said.

It further insisted that beneficiaries must not be compelled or encouraged to attend political rallies, support political parties or candidates, display political materials or demonstrate political loyalty as a condition for receiving the financial assistance.

“NERSI is a government programme funded with public resources, not a personal gift or political benefit from any office-holder or political party,” the group stated.

SERAP also expressed concern over reports that some Nigerians who received notifications of the ₦50,000 assistance had been unable to access or withdraw the funds, while others reportedly received messages indicating that they were not eligible.

It said the complaints raised questions about the accuracy of beneficiary verification, the reliability of payment arrangements and the effectiveness of mechanisms for resolving failed or disputed transactions.

“The Ministry should urgently investigate these complaints, publish its findings and ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive the assistance intended for them,” SERAP demanded.

The group specifically requested the disclosure of agreements with the digital financial service providers engaged to administer NERSI payments, including ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.

It demanded information on the specific roles of the companies, their contractual obligations, the fees they charge and their performance in administering payments to beneficiaries.

SERAP also called for transparency in the use of the National Social Register and national identity records to identify and verify beneficiaries, warning that the process must be governed by clear rules and appropriate data-protection safeguards.

It demanded an anonymised breakdown of the total number of beneficiaries selected and verified across the country, disaggregated by state, local government area and, where available and appropriate, ward.

The group also asked the ministry to disclose the total amounts paid or scheduled for payment in each state and local government area, alongside records of any involvement of political actors in beneficiary selection, payments and access to beneficiary databases.

According to SERAP, Nigerians should also be informed about the use of public resources to promote the programme and any complaints or investigations relating to alleged partisan influence.

The group said access to the requested information would enable citizens to assess whether NERSI was reaching eligible and vulnerable households and whether adequate safeguards existed against political interference, corruption and misappropriation.

“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,” SERAP stated.

SERAP further raised concerns about the need for independent financial oversight, citing findings reportedly contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2024 Annual Report concerning more than ₦78.8 billion in public funds allegedly diverted or unaccounted for in the administration of social intervention and cash transfer programmes.

It specifically referenced concerns involving ₦33.751 billion in cash transfers made in 2023, for which relevant REMITA records and other supporting documentation were reportedly not provided for audit.

The group said the findings underscored the importance of adequate financial controls, proper record-keeping, independent verification and effective oversight from the beginning of the new intervention.

“SERAP recognises the importance of providing financial assistance and social protection to Nigerians experiencing poverty and economic hardship,” SERAP said.

“However, a programme involving public funds and the personal information of vulnerable households must be administered according to clear and publicly accessible rules, objective eligibility criteria, appropriate safeguards and effective independent oversight.”

The group also cited constitutional provisions requiring transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources.

It referenced Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which requires the State to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power, and Section 16(2)(b), which requires the distribution of the nation’s material resources to serve the common good.

SERAP further cited Sections 13 and 17(3)(d) of the Constitution, arguing that accountable social protection programmes are important to the government’s responsibilities towards the welfare and dignity of vulnerable Nigerians.

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

SERAP gave the humanitarian affairs minister seven days from the receipt and/or publication of its letter to provide the requested information and implement the proposed accountability measures.

The group warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period would compel it to consider legal action against the ministry and other relevant authorities.

“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,” the group warned.