Pegasus Reporters Issues on the Wing
“To enhance the effectiveness of palliatives, the Federal Government should consider a collaborative approach with State and Local Governments, requiring them to contribute 50% and 25%, respectively, to match the Federal Government’s efforts. This would increase the total sum to N5.8 million per LGA, making a more meaningful impact on the people”
PEGASUS REPORTERS, LAGOS | JULY 20, 2024
The Federal Government’s recent decision to send 1,200 bags of rice to each state as palliatives to alleviate the current hardship is a well-intentioned but insufficient gesture. With an estimated total cost of N2.2 billion for 44,000 bags of 25kg, the allocation per state is a mere N60 million, and per Local Government Area (LGA), it is a paltry N3.3 million. This amount is unlikely to have a significant impact on the people.
To enhance the effectiveness of palliatives, the Federal Government should consider a collaborative approach with State and Local Governments, requiring them to contribute 50% and 25%, respectively, to match the Federal Government’s efforts. This would increase the total sum to N5.8 million per LGA, making a more meaningful impact on the people.
Moreover, the distribution process is often marred by political interference, with palliatives being diverted for personal gain or used as political tools. To ensure fairness and equity, a more structured distribution process is necessary, one that involves all major political parties and prioritizes the needs of the people over political affiliations.
In the case of Edo State, with 192 wards, the 1,200 bags sent by the Federal Government would translate to only 6 bags per ward, highlighting the inadequacy of the current approach. A more collaborative and equitable distribution process would ensure that a larger quantity of palliatives reaches the people.
For instance, if 2 bags of 25kg each are allocated to the 3 major political parties, this would leave 12 ward executive council members with approximately 4kg of rice each, a quantity that could barely sustain a family of 5 for two meals. In contrast, if the Federal Government collaborates with State and Local Governments as previously suggested, a family could receive a more substantial 7kg of rice, making a more significant impact.
While the Federal Government’s intentions are commendable, the current approach to palliatives requires a rethink. Collaboration with state and local governments, fairness in distribution, and prioritization of the people’s needs over political interests are essential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Nigerians. End.
************************************************************
Tell us you were here by replying to this story in the comment section below. You can share it, too.
Pegasus Reporters: making news that reaches your audience | Advertise with us! | Join our Readers’ Channel on Telegram (+234 815 444 5334)) Follow us on Twitter11@pegasusreporter | We are on Facebook; The PegasusReporters | Chat with us on WhatsApp (+234 815 444 5334) | Contact the Editor, Mallam Oyakhamoh Y. Carl-Abu’Bakar with your adverts or articles via pegasusreporters@gmail.com
Read Our Preceding Story: Group Knocks NEDC: Alleges Lopsidedness in Projects Siting & Development; Petitions National Assembly
