Tinubu Govt Asked To Disclose Details Of N50,000 Cash Transfer, Beneficiaries

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the Federal Government to disclose details of its N50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), including the programme’s funding, beneficiaries and payment arrangements.

SERAP made the demand in a Freedom of Information request dated November 7, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro.

The organisation urged the minister to disclose budgetary allocations, funds released and expended, eligibility criteria, beneficiary selection and verification processes, as well as the geographical distribution of beneficiaries.

It also asked the government to clarify whether the N50,000 assistance is a one-off payment or a monthly intervention.

The request followed the ministry’s public announcement on October 30, 2026, introducing NERSI to provide financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerians.

SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, who signed the request, said Nigerians have a right to know how public funds allocated to the programme are being spent and whether the assistance is reaching those who need it most.

The organisation also 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 monitor the programme’s implementation and expenditure.

It urged both agencies to investigate allegations of corruption and ensure that the funds reach their intended beneficiaries.

SERAP further expressed concern over 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.

It called on the ministry to investigate the complaints, publish its findings and ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive the assistance.

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

It requested details of the roles, fees and performance of the service providers, alongside information on the mechanisms for independently verifying payments and resolving complaints.

On concerns about political interference, SERAP warned that the programme must not be used to reward political supporters, secure partisan loyalty or influence the electoral choices of vulnerable Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It said 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 the 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 organisation stated.

SERAP also asked the ministry to disclose how the National Social Register and national identity records are being used to identify beneficiaries and the safeguards in place to protect their personal information.

It demanded an anonymised breakdown of beneficiaries and payments across states, local government areas and, where available, wards.

The organisation further requested records of any involvement of political actors in beneficiary selection, payments, access to beneficiary databases and the use of public resources to promote the programme.

SERAP linked its demand for transparency to concerns raised by the Auditor-General of the Federation in the 2024 Annual Report regarding over N78.8 billion in public funds allegedly diverted or unaccounted for in the administration of social intervention and cash transfer programmes.

It also cited concerns over N33.751 billion in cash transfers made in 2023 for which relevant REMITA records and other supporting documents were reportedly not provided for audit.

According to SERAP, the findings underscore the need for proper financial controls, record-keeping, independent verification and effective oversight in the administration of NERSI.

The organisation cited Sections 13, 15(5), 16(2)(b) and 17(3)(d) of the Nigerian Constitution, which address government accountability, the distribution of national resources, the fight against corruption and the welfare responsibilities of the state.

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

SERAP asked the minister to provide the requested information and implement the proposed accountability measures within seven days of receiving or being notified of the letter.

It warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period would prompt it to consider legal action to compel the ministry and other relevant authorities to fulfil their constitutional and statutory obligations.

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