The Cry from Nigeria and Uncertain Palliative
21 August 2023 By Abiodun Kareem Giwa
The Nigerian government has fulfilled a promise on paper to create assistance to ease the hardship from financial confusion that follows the fry-pan-to-fire experience resulting from the end of the oil subsidies regime. Five billion Naira reportedly has gone to each federation state, totaling 37. But the program needs more explanation of how the money will reach Nigerians. Is the money supposed to go to state governments? If so, state governments will disburse to local governments and from the grassroots administration to the people.
How would the political divide between parties in control in different states not affect where the money goes? The question arises because the money is legal for all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation. Another worry is how the money will not go down the drain of corruption. The cankerworm is much alive in the country and needs checking for suffering Nigerians to benefit from the gesture of the new administration, which wants the disadvantaged to breathe.
So many reports about the amount the country stands to benefit monthly in trillions of Naira from the cancellation of oil subsidies. The N185 billion released for ameliorating hardship on the people gives credence to the amount saved in one month.
The government announced a palliative committee headed by Vice President Kashim Shetima. Many thought the government was mild compared to past experiences in the country. The thought was that money had never been Nigeria's problem as an oil-producing country, but its management.
Many Nigerians know that as we talk, there are uncountable hawks in states and local governments waiting to make a fortune out of the so-called palliative. Therefore, transparency is supposed to be part of the program. Some said they heard rice is being distributed somewhere and consider it the beginning of how the palliative money will enter into places not programmed for and Nigerians deprived of the benefit.
The Premium Times reports, "The NEC expressed concerns about increasing cost of food and transportation. To cushion the effect of oil subsidy removal, the federal government released five trucks of rice to each state." The government reportedly approved N5 billion for each state to procure 100,000 bags of rice, 40,000 bags of maize, and fertilizer. The sharing formula - 52 percent for states as grants and 48 percent to pay back within 20 months, gives cause for worry. Bags of rice, maize, and fertilizer? And 48 percent to refund to the Central Bank within 20 months? However, there is a consolation from an $800 million loan from the Nigeria National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to cushion the effects of oil subsidy removal. The report says the $800 million will go to Nigerians through an accurate social register.
How will the money be disbursed? How much would go to each Nigerian whose name is on the social register? Are all Nigerians on the social register? What efforts is the government making to ensure all Nigerians whose names are not registered get recognition before disbursement? It is clear from the preceding that the earlier reported N5 billion to the states is for rice, maize, and fertilizer distribution—a reminder of political parties' handouts to gaining or retaining members. However, the government should do the math and make Nigerians know how much will come to each on the social register before the Hawks descend on the $800 million.
The cry from Nigeria about the high cost of commuting is demeaning. Physical exercise should be voluntary and not forcible for the lack of money to pay for commuting. Why cannot the government flush the country with mass transit commuter buses to reduce the cost of transportation?
How would the political divide between parties in control in different states not affect where the money goes? The question arises because the money is legal for all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation. Another worry is how the money will not go down the drain of corruption. The cankerworm is much alive in the country and needs checking for suffering Nigerians to benefit from the gesture of the new administration, which wants the disadvantaged to breathe.
So many reports about the amount the country stands to benefit monthly in trillions of Naira from the cancellation of oil subsidies. The N185 billion released for ameliorating hardship on the people gives credence to the amount saved in one month.
The government announced a palliative committee headed by Vice President Kashim Shetima. Many thought the government was mild compared to past experiences in the country. The thought was that money had never been Nigeria's problem as an oil-producing country, but its management.
Many Nigerians know that as we talk, there are uncountable hawks in states and local governments waiting to make a fortune out of the so-called palliative. Therefore, transparency is supposed to be part of the program. Some said they heard rice is being distributed somewhere and consider it the beginning of how the palliative money will enter into places not programmed for and Nigerians deprived of the benefit.
The Premium Times reports, "The NEC expressed concerns about increasing cost of food and transportation. To cushion the effect of oil subsidy removal, the federal government released five trucks of rice to each state." The government reportedly approved N5 billion for each state to procure 100,000 bags of rice, 40,000 bags of maize, and fertilizer. The sharing formula - 52 percent for states as grants and 48 percent to pay back within 20 months, gives cause for worry. Bags of rice, maize, and fertilizer? And 48 percent to refund to the Central Bank within 20 months? However, there is a consolation from an $800 million loan from the Nigeria National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to cushion the effects of oil subsidy removal. The report says the $800 million will go to Nigerians through an accurate social register.
How will the money be disbursed? How much would go to each Nigerian whose name is on the social register? Are all Nigerians on the social register? What efforts is the government making to ensure all Nigerians whose names are not registered get recognition before disbursement? It is clear from the preceding that the earlier reported N5 billion to the states is for rice, maize, and fertilizer distribution—a reminder of political parties' handouts to gaining or retaining members. However, the government should do the math and make Nigerians know how much will come to each on the social register before the Hawks descend on the $800 million.
The cry from Nigeria about the high cost of commuting is demeaning. Physical exercise should be voluntary and not forcible for the lack of money to pay for commuting. Why cannot the government flush the country with mass transit commuter buses to reduce the cost of transportation?
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