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Subsidy removal: Atiku’s Aide criticizes N5 billion palliative as inadequate

by Editor
written by Editor

Daniel Bwala, an aide to Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly criticized the N5 billion palliative offered by the President Bola Tinubu administration. Bwala labeled the measure as “renewed nonsense.”

Bwala highlighted the perspective of organized labour, which had scrutinized the N5 billion palliative destined for State governments.

According to their calculations, each individual would only receive N1,500 from this fund.

In a tweet, Bwala remarked, “The organized labour has demystified the so-called 5 billion naira FGN gave to States; first the FGN said it was a palliative and they are now saying it is a loan.

“Organized labour further did their arithmetical calculations and arrived at a shameful conclusion that the so-called 5 billion naira comes down to N1,500 per person. How much is the cost of food items in the market? Renewed nonsense.”

The Federal Government had originally announced this N5 billion palliative as an effort to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal.

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Nigerians struggle as food prices surge amidst palliatives distribution

by Editor
written by Editor

By Omotayo Ayanda

The economic landscape of Nigeria has recently witnessed a volatile upheaval, characterized by the abrupt removal of petrol subsidies. In response to the ensuing hardships faced by the populace, the federal government embarked on a distribution of palliatives aimed at alleviating the financial strain on citizens.

However, amidst this commendable effort, a conundrum emerges as the prices of essential food items soar to unprecedented heights, rendering the palliatives insufficient to cushion the blow of the skyrocketing costs. This multifaceted crisis has reverberated across the nation, with Kwara State residents standing as emblematic witnesses to the broader challenges that Nigerians grapple with during these trying times.

The distribution of palliatives, conceived as a mechanism to provide temporary relief to the citizens, bears testament to the government’s acknowledgment of the hardships induced by the petrol subsidy removal. Yet, the stark reality emerges as the effects of inflation seep into nearly every aspect of daily life, driving the costs of essential commodities beyond the reach of the common people. The intended cushioning effect of the palliatives is overshadowed by the stark reality of mounting prices, accentuating the chasm between well-meaning efforts and the harsh actualities on the ground.

In Kwara State, the situation is emblematic of the nationwide struggle, as residents raise their voices in solidarity against the uncontrollable escalation of food prices. A comprehensive survey conducted by Daily Links in the bustling markets of Ilorin, the state capital, paints a vivid picture of the ordeal faced by ordinary citizens. Within the span of a mere month, prices of essential food items have spiraled upwards by over 100 percent, casting a spotlight on the urgency of the situation. The unrelenting surge in prices resonates deeply with the broader economic narrative playing out across Nigeria, where households must navigate the labyrinthine landscape of rising costs with dwindling purchasing power.

Beyond the direct impact of the petrol subsidy removal, another formidable factor exacerbates the challenges faced by the agricultural sector and, by extension, food security. Insecurity, a perennial concern in Nigeria, has escalated to a point where farmers are now constrained from accessing their farmlands. The disruptive implications are profound, as this restriction impedes agricultural production and widens the gap between supply and demand. The resultant food scarcity reverberates throughout Kwara State, further entrenching the cycle of rising prices and diminishing accessibility.

Market insights gleaned from voices on the ground reveal a grim reality that confronts consumers daily. Adeyemi Abubakar, a foodstuffs dealer in Mandate Central market, narrates the unsettling trajectory of key food items. Maize, a dietary staple, has experienced an alarming surge from N28,000 to a staggering range of N55,000 – N57,000 per 100 kg within a span of just two months. Guinea corn and millet, essential to many diets, have undergone similar upheavals, with prices rocketing from N23,000 to N54,000 and from N22,000 to N45,000, respectively. The domino effect continues, impacting imported rice prices, which have climbed from N29,000 to N40,000, while the cost of local rice has doubled, from N1,200 to N2,000 per kilo.

This surge extends to protein sources as well, where a kilogram of chicken, once attainable at N800, now commands N1,300, thereby straining already stretched budgets. Additionally, the cost of a crate of eggs has surged to the range of N2,000 – N2,100, nearly doubling from its former price of N1,000.

Amidst this economic maelstrom, Alhaji Sulaiman Abdulkareem, a landlord in Ilorin provides insight into the evolving dietary habits of Nigerians. As inflation tightens its grip, citizens are compelled to adjust their consumption patterns, prioritizing what is available rather than what is desired. This adaptation serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact economic turmoil can have on even the most fundamental aspects of daily life.

The collective cry for a permanent solution reverberates across the nation, echoing the sentiments of both Kwara State residents and the broader Nigerian populace. While the palliatives signify a temporary respite, the overriding need for comprehensive and systemic measures to address poverty and inflation remains unassailable. The urgency to bridge the gap between well-intentioned relief efforts and the enduring realities of economic strife underscores the imperative for policymakers to address the root causes, ensuring lasting stability and prosperity for all Nigerians.

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Governance

Beyond palliatives: Nigeria’s quest for sustainable solutions to hardship, poverty

by Editor
written by Editor

By Omotayo Ayanda 

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has faced a myriad of challenges over the years, including economic downturns, security concerns, and public health crises. In response, the government has often turned to palliatives as a temporary measure to alleviate the immediate suffering of its citizens. While providing relief is necessary during times of crisis, an overreliance on palliatives risks perpetuating a cycle of dependency, where citizens are viewed as beggars dependent on handouts. 

Instead, the Nigerian government must seek sustainable and long-term solutions to address the root causes of hardship and poverty. By investing in education, skill development, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and agriculture, Nigeria can foster empowerment, resilience, and economic growth, ultimately paving the way to prosperity for all.

While palliatives are critical during emergencies, their long-term usage can inadvertently create a dependency syndrome among the populace. Continuous provision of short-term relief without addressing underlying issues fosters a culture of reliance on government assistance. This mindset undermines the spirit of self-reliance and diminishes the motivation to seek lasting solutions to socio-economic challenges. The Nigerian government must acknowledge the potential of its citizens and transition from treating them as perpetual beneficiaries to empowering them to become architects of their destinies.

The Nigerian government must prioritize investment in quality education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Accessible and relevant education equips citizens to actively participate in the nation’s economic and social development. Additionally, vocational and technical skill development programmmes must be expanded to create a skilled workforce that meets the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. By investing in human capital, Nigeria can build a resilient and knowledgeable populace capable of driving progress and reducing dependence on palliatives.

The government must create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by streamlining bureaucracy, providing financial support, and offering access to markets. Empowering entrepreneurs will not only stimulate economic activities but also reduce unemployment rates and elevate citizens out of poverty. SME growth can serve as an engine for economic transformation, fostering self-sufficiency among Nigerians.

Deficient road networks, unstable power supply, and inadequate healthcare facilities hinder economic growth and limit citizens’ access to essential services. The government must prioritize infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas where poverty is most pronounced. Improved infrastructure will enhance economic activities, attract investment, and improve the overall quality of life for citizens. By addressing infrastructure gaps, the government lays a solid foundation for sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Agriculture remains a vital sector in Nigeria, employing a significant portion of the population and ensuring food security for the nation. The government must invest in modernizing agriculture by providing farmers with access to technology, credit, and markets. By supporting agricultural development, the government can create sustainable livelihoods for millions of Nigerians and reduce poverty levels. Transforming agriculture will strengthen rural communities and foster economic resilience.

As the government transitions from palliatives to permanent solutions, comprehensive social safety nets must be in place to support vulnerable populations. Welfare programmmes, healthcare assistance, and nutrition support can provide a safety net for those facing extreme hardships. These safety nets act as a bridge during the transition phase, safeguarding the well-being of citizens as the government implements lasting solutions to poverty.

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its development journey, where the government must move beyond the culture of handouts and embrace sustainable solutions to poverty and hardship. The quest for lasting progress requires a holistic approach that empowers citizens and addresses the root causes of socio-economic challenges.

Investing in education, skill development, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and agriculture will pave the path to prosperity and self-reliance. By fostering empowerment, the Nigerian government can unlock the potential of its citizens, transforming them from recipients of aid to active contributors to the nation’s development.

The time has come for Nigeria to embark on a transformative journey toward a future where poverty becomes a distant memory. By prioritizing sustainable solutions, Nigeria can break free from the cycle of palliatives and build a resilient and prosperous nation for generations to come. Through collective efforts and strategic investments, Nigeria can truly become the giant of Africa, setting an example for sustainable development and inclusive growth on the continent.

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