The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to scrutinise the funding and implementation of the federal government’s ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI).
SERAP also called on the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, to disclose details of the funds.
The demand followed the ministry’s announcement on October 30 that the intervention would provide N50,000 in financial assistance to vulnerable Nigerians.
In a statement o, the rights group requested details of the budgetary allocations, funds released, and expenditure incurred under the scheme.
SERAP stressed that Nigerians have a right to know how public funds allocated to the programme are being utilised, who the beneficiaries are, and whether the intervention is reaching those most in need.
It also demanded transparency in beneficiary selection, eligibility criteria, verification procedures, geographical distribution, and contracts with digital financial service providers.
The group further asked Mr Doro to clarify whether the ₦50,000 payment would be a one-off intervention or a recurring monthly benefit.
It urged the minister to invite the ICPC and the EFCC to oversee the programme’s implementation, track its expenditure, and investigate allegations of corruption.
The group also warned against using the intervention for political purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It maintained that beneficiaries must be selected based on genuine need and objective eligibility criteria, not political affiliation or loyalty.
SERAP warned against using the intervention to advance political interests by requesting recipients to attend political rallies, support political parties or candidates, display political materials, or demonstrate political loyalty to access 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,” it said.