Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, joined by Ayuba Suleiman, State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and other members of the palliative committee, recently conducted a joint media briefing to announce a far-reaching palliative support initiative. This initiative is designed to alleviate the difficulties arising from the sudden removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu.
Governor Sani revealed that the programme, backed by N2 billion disbursed by the Federal Government, will extend its support to 210,000 indigent households, benefiting approximately 1,050,000 vulnerable individuals across the state.
The palliative intervention will be executed in three distinct phases, with the first stage focusing on the distribution of essential food items to impoverished and vulnerable households.
Subsequent phases will encompass the provision of free buses to alleviate transportation challenges, as well as extending aid to farmers and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through the distribution of fertilizers and incentives to enhance business growth.
Governor Sani emphasized that the two remaining phases of the palliative initiative are dedicated to addressing transportation challenges and offering assistance to smallholder farmers, micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises. Notably, this includes revitalizing train services across Kaduna State’s three senatorial districts, a measure recognized as pivotal in alleviating the populace’s hardships.
The governor assured that the State Government is committed to executing the palliative distribution process meticulously. All necessary preparations have been put in place to ensure transparency, fairness, and seamless implementation throughout the three phases.
Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, has been appointed to lead a joint committee responsible for overseeing the palliative support programme’s execution. This committee comprises representatives from Organized Labour, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, market unions, and individuals with disabilities.
The state government has embraced the committee’s recommendations to ensure the transparent and effective implementation of the palliatives, reinforcing its commitment to providing essential relief to those affected by the petrol subsidy removal.