The Jigawa State Civil Society Forum calls on the state government to take prompt and comprehensive steps in rolling out a social protection programme to ameliorate the hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidies.
This call was made in a statement signed by the Chairman, Comrade Musbahu Basirka, and made available to newsmen on Thursday. It was stated, “The intervention, if carried out in line with global best practices, would target the poor and vulnerable, lifting them out of poverty.”
The concern arises from the fact that the federal government’s removal of subsidies has driven up the prices of goods and services, including foodstuffs, transportation costs, agricultural implements, inputs, rent, and other services. This has happened while salaries remain stagnant, leading to immense suffering and hardship among citizens.
“Given the economic conditions, the unsustainability of the current national minimum wage of N30,000 was recommended. It was suggested that the process of increasing the minimum wage commence immediately at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as by private sector employers. This is necessary as the current minimum wage no longer reflects the new realities.”
Comrade Basirka said the CSOs in the state commend the state government for its initiatives to urgently mitigate the economic and social effects of the subsidy removal policy on citizens.
“We commend the current administration’s decision under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi to approve the purchase of an additional 5 trucks of rice to be distributed across the state,” said Comrade Basirka.
He also noted another empowerment programme for 1,500 young entrepreneurs running existing businesses across 27 LGAs. This is being done through the Ministry of Information, Youth, Sport, and Culture in collaboration with the Directorate of Economic Empowerment, along with the support of 1,000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Comrade Basirka also emphasized that the Jigawa State Civil Society Forum remains committed to the well-being and betterment of the people. In this regard, “We stand as co-partners with state actors, particularly at the state level.”
