President Bola Tinubu
By Akanji Alowoludo, Bauchi
The Coalition of Civil Society Networks, a collective of organizations dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of citizens, has expressed its satisfaction with the recent plans announced by the Federal Government to provide essential support and palliatives to vulnerable households across the country.
The Network opined that the forward-looking initiative aims to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal and bring relief to families across the nation is a welcome development.
According to Comrade Zakari Hashim, Coordinator of the Network, “While we commend the Federal Government for its proactive approach to address the challenges posed by subsidy removal, we strongly urge the Federal Government to consider a suitable platform for the implementation of this crucial support program.”
He observed that, “Based on a critical assessment, the NDE has demonstrated tireless commitment over time with offices across the 36 state of the federation including FCT Abuja and exceptional dedication in its previous efforts.”
Zakari Hashim added that, “Its well-established structures have consistently proven their ability to provide effective assistance to vulnerable households in both rural and urban areas.”
He stressed that, “the remarkable strides made by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in uplifting vulnerable households from the shackles of poverty through skill acquisition and digital training programs.”
“The recent trajectory of progress witnessed in Nigeria, particularly in the fight against unemployment and poverty, owes a great deal to the commendable efforts of the NDE,” he added.
The Coordinator further stressed that, “By empowering individuals with essential skills and fostering a culture of self-reliance, the NDE has contributed significantly to elevating vulnerable households above the poverty line.”
The experience and track record of the National Directorate of Employment make it a natural choice to spearhead the implementation of the support program.
According to him, “By leveraging its existing infrastructure and expertise, the NDE can ensure the efficient and equitable distribution of palliatives, reaching those who need it most while minimizing administrative inefficiencies.”
He however observed that the recent decline in the unemployment rate is a testament to the impactful role played by the NDE in engaging and empowering our nation’s young people.
“Their participation in skills development and entrepreneurial initiatives has not only reduced unemployment but has also ignited a spirit of innovation and self-reliance among our youths,” he added.
He then stressed that, “We believe that by entrusting the National Directorate of Employment with this responsibility, the Federal Government can maximize the impact of its support plans, guaranteeing that the benefits of these initiatives are felt by all segments of society.”
Zakari Hashim assured that,”This collaboration will not only alleviate the immediate challenges posed by subsidy removal but also contribute to the long-term well-being of our nation’s most vulnerable households.”
The Coalition of Civil Society Networks remains committed to supporting initiatives that prioritize the welfare of citizens and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.
” We eagerly anticipate a positive response from the Federal Government regarding the implementation of this support program by the National Directorate of Employment”, he concluded.
