Conditional cash transfer: Trust deficit hunts governors’ footsteps – The Sun Nigeria

Article Title

By Omoniyi Salaudeen

Introduction

The rollout of the palliatives announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mitigate the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy on the vulnerable poor in the country seems to be taking forever amid the rising cost of living.

Current Situation

Effects of Subsidy Removal

1. About four million Nigerians have been pushed into poverty in the last six months.
2. Religious organizations, traditionally involved in poverty alleviation, are overstretched and unable to cope with the rising level of despondency.

Government Measures

Palliatives and Loans

• The Federal Government plans to disburse N8,000 monthly to 12 million vulnerable households.
• President Tinubu requested $800 million loans from the World Bank to support the subsidy removal and cash transfer program.
• An additional N500 million has been appropriated in the supplementary budget to mitigate the hardship.

Public Opinion

Criticism and Calls for Review

• Many pundits criticize the amount of the cash transfer for being grossly inadequate.
• President Tinubu has called for an immediate review of the conditional cash transfer to align with the current economic reality.

Governors’ Resolution

Disbursement Responsibility and Trust Issues

• The National Economic Council (NEC) resolved to take charge of the policy implementation and disbursement of cash transfers.
• Governors expressed concerns about the integrity of the social register used by the previous administration and pledged to provide arrears of pensions, increase the minimum wage, and ensure cash transfers to public servants.
• Trust deficit exists between the government and the governed due to a lack of transparency and accountability in public affairs.

Database Integrity

Social Register and Public Trust

• The National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office developed a comprehensive social register with 15.7 million households and 62 million individuals.
• The register has been used by international organizations, audited and certified by the World Bank, and operates with national databases like NIN and BVN.
• Some governors question the integrity of the social register, but experts argue that it should be updated rather than discarded.

Transparency and Accountability

Distribution of Palliatives

• Chief Chekwas Okorie supports devolving power to the states but emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the management and disbursement of cash transfers.
• He suggests publishing the list of beneficiaries through social media or state websites to ensure transparency and public participation in assessing the distribution.

Sustainable Solutions

Infrastructure Development and Education Subsidies

• Investing in infrastructure development and transparent management is a more sustainable social intervention.
• Subsidizing education, especially at the primary and secondary levels, can alleviate the burden on parents and contribute to national growth and development.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
• Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
• Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
• Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age.
• Indicator 2.1.1: Prevalence of undernourishment.
• Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services.
• Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.
• Indicator 5.5.2: Proportion of women in managerial positions.
• Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 16.6.1: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector (or by budget codes or similar).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: sunnewsonline.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.