RismadarVoice Reporters
November 10, 2026
The Federal Government’s ₦50,000 cash transfer programme for vulnerable Nigerians has attracted concerns over transparency, funding, beneficiary selection and its long-term effectiveness in addressing poverty.
The National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), launched on October 30 by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, is designed to provide financial assistance to households struggling with rising living costs.
Under the programme, eligible beneficiaries are expected to receive ₦50,000 monthly through approved digital financial service providers.
However, questions have emerged over the programme’s duration, total budget, geographical coverage and mechanisms for ensuring that payments reach intended recipients.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded that the Federal Government disclose details of the intervention’s funding and implementation.
In a Freedom of Information request dated November 7, SERAP asked the humanitarian affairs minister to provide information on budgetary allocations, funds released and spent, eligibility requirements and beneficiary verification procedures.
The organisation also sought details of agreements with financial service providers and safeguards against possible political interference ahead of the 2027 general elections.
SERAP expressed concern over reports that some Nigerians who received payment notifications had experienced difficulties accessing their funds.
It called for independent monitoring by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Meanwhile, economist and financial analyst Godwin Oyedokun, in remarks contained in reports on the intervention, described cash assistance as a potentially useful short-term measure but cautioned against treating it as a permanent solution to poverty.
He argued that sustainable poverty reduction would require employment opportunities, improved infrastructure, agricultural development and stronger economic productivity.
The programme has also attracted criticism over its timing, with some observers questioning its introduction ahead of the next general election.
However, concerns about political motivation do not independently establish that public funds have been diverted or that the intervention is being used for electoral purposes.
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has maintained that NERSI is intended to provide immediate financial relief and strengthen household resilience.
It explained that eligible beneficiaries would receive direct notifications and payments through licensed financial service providers without paying registration fees.
The ministry also stated that the intervention would undergo periodic reviews in response to changes in living costs.
Nevertheless, calls for greater disclosure continue, particularly regarding the number of beneficiaries, payment verification and the programme’s overall financial sustainability.
