SERAP Demands Transparency for Nigeria's NERSI Relief Program

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a Freedom of Information request to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction demanding comprehensive details on the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI). Launched on October 30, 2026, the program provides ₦50,000 in financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerians across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

In a letter dated November 7, 2026, SERAP urged Minister Bernard Doro to disclose budgetary allocations, beneficiary selection criteria, and the specifics of contracts with digital financial service providers, including OPay, Moniepoint, ALAT, MoMo PSB, and NairaGram. The organization expressed concern that the program could be used for political mobilization before the 2027 general elections and cited reports of eligible citizens unable to access funds. SERAP further called for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to monitor expenditures, referencing previous Auditor-General reports of over ₦78.8 billion in diverted social intervention funds.

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction responded by clarifying that beneficiaries are selected via the National Social Register and verified national identity records. The ministry stated that payments are being distributed in phases and advised citizens that a lack of notification does not necessarily mean they have been excluded. SERAP has given the ministry seven days to respond before considering legal action.