Nigerians’ Voices Heard: Tinubu Announces Review of N8,000 Palliative Package

Responding to widespread public criticism, President Bola Tinubu has announced an enhanced review of the N8,000 cash transfer programme intended to provide assistance to millions of poor Nigerians.

The statement was issued by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The cash transfer programme, unveiled on July 13, was designed to offer a monthly transfer of N8,000 to the bank accounts of 12 million households classified as poor or low income.

Its aim was to support vulnerable families adversely affected by the recent removal of the petrol subsidy. However, since its announcement, the initiative has sparked heated debates and misconceptions among Nigerians.

In light of these concerns, President Tinubu’s administration has taken a proactive step to address the issues raised by the public. Mr. Alake emphasized that the Tinubu government firmly believes in providing alternative provisions when certain policies are prohibited or removed.

“The N8,000 conditional cash transfer programme, envisioned to bring succor to the most vulnerable households, will be subjected to an enhanced review immediately, in deference to the views expressed by Nigerians against it,” stated the press release.

President Tinubu’s commitment to a comprehensive relief package is evident in his multifaceted approach to alleviate the challenges posed by the subsidy removal. Alongside the cash transfer programme, the President has directed the release of fertilizers and grains to approximately 50 million farmers and households across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

To address concerns from the business community, President Tinubu signed four Executive Orders to ease the burden of taxes and suspend the implementation dates of certain tax regulations. Furthermore, a Tax Reform/Fiscal Policy Committee has been established to provide recommendations that foster a favourable fiscal environment and eliminate barriers to business growth.

In response to the clamour for greater transparency, President Tinubu assured Nigerians of the prudent and accountable utilization of the approved N500 billion fund, allocated to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal. He emphasized that the relief measures would extend to all citizens, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by the subsidy removal.

The decision to conduct an enhanced review of the cash transfer programme is a testament to the responsiveness of the Tinubu administration to the concerns and opinions of the Nigerian populace. As the government continues its efforts to fine-tune the relief measures, citizens eagerly await further details of the revised palliative plan and its implementation to provide much-needed assistance to those grappling with the aftermath of subsidy removal.