From beneficiary selection to payment providers: SERAP demands transparency on N50,000 grant

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged the Federal Government to disclose details of the funding, implementation and administration of its N50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention. SERAP is asking for details regarding beneficiary selection, payments, contracts with digital financial service providers and safeguards against political interference.

The demand was contained in a Freedom of Information request dated November 7, 2026, and signed by the organisation’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE DEMAND

SERAP is asking the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, to disclose details of the budgetary allocations, funds released and expended, eligibility criteria, beneficiary selection and verification processes, geographical distribution of beneficiaries, and whether the N50,000 assistance is intended as a one-off payment or a monthly intervention.

The organisation also wants the Ministry to publicly invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to monitor the programme’s implementation and expenditure, investigate allegations of corruption, and help ensure that the funds reach their intended beneficiaries .

THE WARNING

SERAP stressed that public funds must not be used for political purposes.

“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,” the organisation said.

It added: “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.”

THE PAYMENT CONCERNS

SERAP also raised concerns about reports that some Nigerians who received notifications of the N50,000 assistance were unable to access or withdraw the funds, while others reportedly encountered messages indicating that they were not eligible.

“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 organisation said.

It asked the Ministry to urgently investigate the complaints, publish its findings, and ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive the assistance intended for them.

THE CONTEXT

The NERSI programme was announced by the Ministry on October 30, 2026, as a Federal Government initiative to support vulnerable households facing rising living costs.

Beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records, and payments are made through five approved digital financial service providers: ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.

SERAP’s request follows concerns raised by the Auditor-General of the Federation in the 2024 Annual Report over more than N78.8 billion in public funds allegedly diverted or unaccounted for in the administration of social intervention and cash transfer programmes .

WHY IT MATTERS

The N50,000 grant is a lifeline for millions of Nigerians struggling with the cost of living.

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But it is also a programme with significant public funds and personal data at stake.

SERAP’s demand is a reminder that transparency is not optional. Nigerians have a right to know who is receiving the money, how they were selected, and whether the programme is being used for its intended purpose or for political advantage.

The government has seven days to respond. If it does not, SERAP has indicated it will take legal action. The clock is ticking. And the questions remain unanswered. ValidViewNetwork reports.