Labour Party (LP) chieftain in Delta State, Lennox Egavoja Gold, has urged the Federal Government to take ‘remedial measures’ to cushion effects of economic hardship faced by the people, following removal of subsidy on petrol.
 
In a statement, yesterday, he also advised the Federal Government to drop the proposed N8,000 palliative. 
  
He said: “There are some general insights on the issue of remedial measures for economic hardship. In times of economic hardship, it is not uncommon for the central government (in this case, the Federal Government) to take the lead in implementing measures to alleviate the situation. 
  
“However, it is important to note that effective solutions often require a multi-level and collaborative approach involving the different tiers of government.”
 
The LP chieftain advised state and local councils to play crucial role in complementing the efforts of the Federal Government in the implementation of its new palliative.
  
He urged government to identify local needs, implement target programmes, strengthen social security nets, pursue collaboration and resource pooling.
 
The actions, according to him, would involve assessments and surveys to identify the most affected sectors and populations, providing localised job creation initiatives, establishing local food security programmes, or supporting small businesses through grants or tax incentives.
 
This, he added, can be done through collaboration with non-governmental organisations, community groups and private sector enterprises, as well as the provision of direct financial assistance, food subsidies, healthcare support, and housing assistance to vulnerable populations.
  
“In summary, while the Federal Government often takes the lead in implementing remedial measures during economic hardship, the involvement of state governments and local governments is crucial. 
 
“By understanding local needs, implementing targeted programmes, strengthening social safety nets and fostering collaboration, state and councils can contribute significantly to alleviating economic hardships in their respective regions,” he said.