The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised a strong call for the federal government to disclose the full list of beneficiaries of the N330 billion payout intended for poor Nigerians. This request comes amidst ongoing government claims that millions of citizens have been lifted out of poverty through various social safety net schemes.
Comrade Benson Upah, the acting general secretary of the NLC, questioned the transparency surrounding the cash transfer initiative, expressing concerns about the government’s ability to back their claims with credible evidence. Speaking with LEADERSHIP Friday, Upah emphasized that for accountability to be assured, Nigerians deserve access to verifiable information on the disbursements.
He criticized what he termed “banditry with statistics,” accusing the government of publicly declaring large-scale poverty alleviation figures without offering corresponding proof.
“If you claim to have created social jobs, show the jobs,” Upah stated. “In advanced economies, when governments announce such initiatives, they are held accountable by providing tangible proof.”
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Upah’s statement echoes widespread concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of government-led anti-poverty programs, particularly at a time when many Nigerians feel the weight of inflation and rising living costs. “They should publish the names of those who have benefited from the N330bn,” he added. “It would help restore public confidence in the government’s poverty alleviation efforts.”
The NLC leader also emphasized the need for strategic learning from global best practices, urging the Nigerian government to act with wisdom and intelligence when announcing such initiatives.
“The Nigerian audience is highly enlightened, and they are not easily deceived,” he noted.
The call for transparency aims to address growing skepticism regarding the real impact of the social safety net programs. As inflation continues to rise, many Nigerians question the government’s ability to alleviate poverty effectively.
In conclusion, the NLC’s demand for public disclosure of the list of recipients of the N330bn payout reflects the broader public’s growing desire for greater accountability in the government’s poverty alleviation efforts. By revealing the names of those who have benefited from the funds, the government could go a long way in boosting public trust in its economic policies.
