SERAP Seeks Details of Nigeria’s ₦50,000 Relief Payments

Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has asked Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Minister Bernard Doro to disclose how the government’s ₦50,000 relief payments are funded and administered. The demand became public on November 8 and concerns the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention, known as NERSI. In a November 7 freedom-of-information letter signed by deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP sought budget allocations, amounts released and spent, beneficiary eligibility rules and geographic distribution. It also requested payment-provider contracts, fees and safeguards for personal information. SERAP said: “Publicly funded social assistance must be allocated strictly on the basis of genuine need and objective eligibility criteria.” The organisation asked whether the assistance is recurring or a single payment and sought protections against partisan interference ahead of the 2027 general elections. It urged the involvement of the ICPC and EFCC anti-corruption agencies in monitoring implementation. SERAP allowed seven days from receipt or publication for a response and said it would consider legal action. Doro’s October 30 announcement described monthly payments of ₦50,000, subject to regular review, with beneficiaries notified before changes. A ministry FAQ published November 6 says selection draws on the National Social Register and verified national identity records, covers all six geopolitical zones and cannot be influenced by officials or agents. It describes the support as a grant without deductions or repayment, paid through authorised providers after consent by SMS.