SERAC's work is carried out under the following three mutually reinforcing programs:

Monitoring and Advocacy Program (MAP)

MAP seeks to research, monitor and document ESC rights practices in Nigeria. Its research aims at identifying the root causes of violations of these rights. It also focuses on exploring and elaborating the core content of each right and developing reliable indicators for measuring the government's performance in the implementation of its human rights obligations within Nigeria's economic, social and political context.

Community Action Program (CAP)

CAP works with and within local groups and communities to educate and mobilize them towards becoming pro-active in the defense and advancement of their human rights. CAP strives to build and sustain neighborhood consciousness within endangered communities, and to establish rapid response systems when their rights are threatened or violated.

Legal Action Program (LAP)

LAP provides free legal assistance to individuals and groups seeking to assert their ESC rights or entitlements. It campaigns for the reform or repeal of anachronistic laws that impinge upon, and the passage of new laws that facilitate, the realization of ESC rights. LAP also provides legal education aimed at boosting judicial sensitivity to, and enforcement of ESC rights.