SERAP Warns FG Against Politicising ₦50,000 Relief Payments
Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has warned the federal government against possible political interference in its ₦50,000 relief programme, demanding full disclosure of beneficiaries,
FIDA, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, has cautioned the Nigerian government against incorporating politics into its ₦50,000 relief programme ahead of the 2027 elections. In a Freedom of Information request, FIDA demanded full transparency regarding the programme's beneficiaries, payments, and safeguards. The organisation called for detailed disclosures on funding, eligibility criteria, beneficiary selection process, geographical coverage, and payment arrangements.
FIDA insisted that public assistance should be exclusively based on genuine need and objective eligibility criteria, not used for political gain or to reward supporters. The group warned against pressuring beneficiaries to attend political rallies, support candidates, or display political materials in exchange for financial assistance.
FIDA also raised concerns over beneficiaries unable to withdraw the payments and those being informed of ineligibility, suggesting a flawed verification process and unreliable payment channels. The organisation demanded an immediate investigation into these complaints and a publication of findings. FIDA also sought details of agreements with digital financial service providers administering the payments, clarifying their roles, fees, and performance.
It questioned whether the ₦50,000 assistance would be paid once or monthly, noting the lack of clarity in the ministry's announcements. FIDA requested an anonymised breakdown of beneficiaries and payments by state and local government area, as well as details on how the National Social Register and national identity records would identify recipients.
FIDA urged the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to invite independent anti-corruption bodies to monitor the programme's implementation and expenditure. The organisation, citing the Auditor-General's concerns over misappropriated public funds, stressed the right of Nigerians to know how NERSI funds are being spent and whether the intervention reaches those most in need without corruption or partisan influence.
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