FG palliative, CCT, driven by emergency situation – Group

Abuja based group,  Peoples Vision for Community Development Initiative (PVCI) has argued that the Federal Government Palliatives and the Conditional Cash Transfer were being driven by emergency situation Nigeria found itself.

The group’s position was at the backdrop of reform of the programme being canvassed by the Upper and Lower legislative Chambers which they believed would make it effective.  

They however, called on politicians to stop meddling with the activities of the  Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster management and Social Development on the payment of conditional cash transfer and palliatives given to the poorest of the poor and vulnerables across the  country.

In a statement issued and made available to DAILY POST in Abuja on Wednesday by the pPresident of the Forum,  Mr. Fidelis Yughur insisted that “the reform being suggested now has been overtaken by COVID-19 pandemic. ” 
“The programme is meant to cushion the effect of the poor  following the lockdown.
“Reforms are important,  but not  immediately in a situation that the country is facing the COVID 19 pandemic.

According to him, reform could be made long term but not now  because of the urgency and time frame given to tackle the  situations in the country,  noting that it would be diversionary at this time. 

The group urged the Minister,  Mrs Sadiya Umar Farouq to be focused on effective disburstment of the conditional cash transfer and palliatives.

“Effort of the Minister in reacting fast to the CCT was commendable; the digitalised national social investment register adopted which has been adopted as part of the   process will be effective  and efficient in reducing the sufferings of the people during the  lockdown.”

—