On 7 November 2026, the Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) sent a Freedom of Information request to Dr Bernard Doro, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, demanding a full disclosure of the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) programme. The letter follows the ministry’s public announcement on 30 October 2026 that NERSI will provide ₦50,000 in financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerians.
NERSI is described by the ministry as a monthly payment of ₦50,000, yet key details remain unclear. SERAP has asked the minister to reveal the total budgetary allocations, the amount of funds released and expended, the eligibility criteria, the processes for selecting and verifying beneficiaries, the geographical distribution of recipients, and whether the assistance is intended as a one‑off or recurring payment.
In addition, SERAP urged 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, investigate corruption allegations and ensure that the money reaches its intended recipients.
“Publicly funded social assistance must be allocated strictly on the basis of genuine need and objective eligibility criteria,” the organisation said. It warned that NERSI should not be used to reward political supporters or influence electoral choices ahead of the 2027 general elections, and that beneficiaries must not be required to attend rallies or display political material as a condition for receiving aid.
Serap also highlighted reports that some recipients have been unable to access or withdraw their ₦50,000, and that others received messages indicating ineligibility. “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,” the letter noted.
Furthermore, SERAP requested the ministry to disclose all agreements with digital financial service providers involved in administering NERSI payments, including ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint. The organisation asked for details on the providers’ roles, fees and performance, as well as the safeguards protecting personal data derived from the National Social Register and national identity records.
Serap concluded that it would consider legal action if the requested information and measures are not provided within seven days of the letter’s receipt or publication. It also called for the ministry to investigate the complaints, publish its findings and ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive the assistance intended for them.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
