Labour leader Funmi Sessi has expressed skepticism regarding the federal government’s plan to provide N8,000 to 12 million households for six months, stating that it would be insufficient to meet the needs of families in light of the removal of petrol subsidy. Sessi, who is the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Lagos Chapter, shared her concerns with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos. The government’s plan, part of the National Safety Net Programme, aims to transfer N8,000 digitally each month to the accounts of poor and low-income households, with the goal of stimulating economic activity and improving living standards.
Sessi questioned the effectiveness of the N8,000 given the rising prices caused by the removal of the petrol subsidy. She expressed doubt that such a small amount could adequately support a family for even a week, let alone an entire month. Sessi also raised concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of the distribution process, emphasizing the need for the government to identify and target those most in need of assistance. She argued that instead of cash handouts, the government should focus on providing infrastructure and resources that would enable Nigerians to become self-reliant, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Oluwole Olusoji, the President of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions, echoed Sessi’s sentiment, stating that cash handouts alone do not add real value. He suggested that subsidizing education, healthcare, transportation, and infrastructure would have a more significant impact on improving the lives of Nigerians. Olusoji emphasized the importance of access to quality services rather than simply providing monetary assistance.
Tommy Okon, the National Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, called for a collective agreement between the government and organized labor before implementing any palliative care distribution. He stressed the need to learn from past experiences and avoid repeating ineffective measures that yielded no positive impact on the environment and economy.
The concerns raised by these labor leaders highlight the importance of comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address the challenges faced by vulnerable households. While short-term palliatives may provide temporary relief, long-term investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and employment opportunities are crucial for sustainable development and poverty reduction in Nigeria.