The General Assembly of ActionAid Nigeria has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to prioritise diplomacy and dialogue in dealing with the coup d’etat in the Niger Republic, saying that military intervention will have severe consequences for neighbouring countries, especially Nigeria.
In a press statement issued yesterday read out by the former Board Chair of Action Aid, Prof Patricia Donli, following its review of the state of the nation, it was held that considering Niger’s role as a buffer between Nigeria and the Sahel Region, it was imperative to ensure peace and respect for democratic principles in the region.
While condemning the Niger Coup in strong terms, ActionAid Nigeria said: “We call upon ECOWAS to use its influence wisely to achieve this. ECOWAS should guide against the possibility of the crisis stoking superpower rivalry in the region.”
Also speaking on the ongoing economic crisis in the country, the AAN General Assembly called on the federal and state governments to prioritise the establishment of credible and sustainable social welfare programmes that extend beyond providing monthly disbursements of funds for short-term relief.
While stressing the need to design the programmes for vulnerable populations, including low-income families, women, youth, and People with Disabilities (PWDs), the group underscored that to ensure the effectiveness and transparency of the programme, it must be clearly communicated to the public and ensure that those in need receive the necessary assistance promptly and equitably.
On the student loan Act, the body called on the government to ensure fair and equitable distribution of education loans with special attention to marginalised students, adding that the implementation of the act should be accompanied by robust support systems, including financial literacy programmes, career counselling, and job creation initiatives.
They said that this would enhance the employability of loan recipients after graduation, thereby ensuring that the loans get to those who need them and fostering inclusivity and equal access to higher education for all aspiring Nigerian students.
The organisation also stated that to ensure long-term food security, the federal and state governments must prioritise sustainable solutions through strategic investments, focus on promoting agriculture, support rural development, empower local communities, and increase food production.
It added that these initiatives will not only bolster the country’s ability to feed its population but also create a resilient and self-reliant agricultural system.
On the recurring flood threat in the country, the body urged governments at all levels to prioritise urban planning and environmental infrastructure development, stressing that they must adequately invest in flood control measures, drainage systems, and sustainable urban development practises to help mitigate the impact of flooding on communities.
They further called on the government to strategically invest in critical sectors of the economy such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and technology so as to create jobs, improve public services, and enhance the overall quality of life of Nigerians, saying prioritising investments in the key areas will drive economic development, attract foreign investments, and position Nigeria for long term growth and resilience.
Speaking on the upcoming governorship election in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States, they called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to proactively coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, to ensure a secure environment for the conduct of a peaceful election and stressed the need to address the targeted attacks on INEC offices nationwide as well as insecurity in some parts of the country.
