Joel Ajayi
The National Population Commission (NPC) has appealed to all Nigerians to maintain peace and calm and to shun the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, by the commission, acknowledging the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, the Commission emphasizes the need to prioritize national stability, peace and security at this critical juncture.
According to the statement, NPC understands the economic hardships and hunger faced by Nigerians, but urges citizens to give the government time to address these challenges. As the leading data-generating agency in Nigeria, the Commission is committed to its mandate of generating reliable and acceptable demographic data for national planning and sustainable development.
“To address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, the NPC is working tirelessly to conduct the forthcoming Population and Housing Census. This exercise will generate inclusive and up-to-date data for evidence-based planning and policymaking. The Commission calls on Nigerians to have trust in Mr. President and give the administration time to deliver on its promises of a better Nigeria. The President is not unaware of the various challenges in the country hence; he is working round the clock to put in place policies and programmes that will deliver to Nigerians the full dividends of democracy within the shortest possible time.
“It is in-line with this, the governments has rolled out these laudable programmes to alleviate the living standards of Nigerians:
1. Social Investment Programmes (SIPs): Initiatives like N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), and Homegrown School Feeding Programme aim to reduce poverty and unemployment.
2. Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (EGRP): Aims to stimulate economic growth, improve infrastructure, and increase access to healthcare and education.
3. National Housing Programme: aimed at providing affordable housing for low-income Nigerians.
4. Agriculture and Food Security Initiatives: Efforts to boost food production, reduce import dependence, and enhance food security.
5. Infrastructure Development: Investments in roads, bridges, airports, and seaports to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic growth.
6. Healthcare Reforms: Initiatives like the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) aim to improve access to quality healthcare.
7. Education Reforms: Efforts to improve access to quality education, including the National Homegrown School Feeding Programme and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
8. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Support: Initiatives like the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Bank of Industry (BOI) provide funding and support for small businesses.
9. The Government has also started the Student Loan Scheme for the youths in Nigeria.
10. National Social Safety Nets Project (NSSNP): Aims to establish a national social safety net system to protect the poor and vulnerable.
We urge all Nigerians to remain calm, focused, and avoid actions that may compromise national peace and stability. Let us work together to build a prosperous and united Nigeria.
