Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kazeem Biriowo
Published on 2024-03-09 18:26:39
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has expressed concern over the lack of activity within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The council is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint a substantive minister to take charge of the ministry and address the issues at hand.
In a communique issued after an emergency meeting to discuss the state of the nation, the NCSCN highlighted the recent stampede that occurred during the distribution of subsidized rice in Lagos. The council believes that such incidents could have been avoided if a minister had been appointed to oversee the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has been without a minister since the suspension of Beta Edu by President Bola Tinubu. The council believes that the inactivity of the ministry, due to the absence of a minister, played a significant role in the unfortunate incident on February 23.
The NCSCN also pointed out that issues such as food insecurity, living below standard, closure of industries leading to loss of jobs, low productivity, high exchange rates, and insecurity caused by banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency are contributing to the current challenges faced by Nigeria.
The council’s communique revealed that an adhoc committee report on the stampede during rice sales in Lagos showed that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation’s inactivity was a result of not having a minister in office. The council praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts in fighting smuggling and highlighted the positive impact of the new Comptroller General, Mr. Bashir Adeniyi.
The NCSCN emphasized the need for a strong and capable minister like Dr. Beta Edu to lead the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The council believes that appointing a minister with a track record of performance is crucial for reinvigorating the ministry and addressing the challenges faced by the country.
In conclusion, the NCSCN called for the strengthening and revitalization of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The council believes that with the right leadership and support, the ministry can fulfill its mandate and contribute to the improvement of Nigeria’s economy.
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