The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has told the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on unemployment, by devoting N1 billion to create jobs in each of the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
It noted that the high rate of unemployment had pushed bright minds into criminality, while others had embarked on illegal migration in search of a greener pasture.
CHRICED’s Executive Director, Dr Ibrahim Zikirullahi, made the suggestions at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja.
Zikirullahi argued that the periodical increase of salaries, wages and conditional cash transfer to perceived vulnerable people without full implementation was political.
He said: “CHRICED recognises certain ambitious declarations such as the additional increase of N35,000 for workers, conditional cash transfers to the poorest of the poor, student loans, and the revitalisation of the manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
“However, it is insufficient to merely announce these grand interventions without presenting a compelling argument that emphasises crucial aspects of sustainability, transparency, and accountability.
“Based on the current tone of the proposed intervention by the Federal Government, there is a possibility that it may become another avenue for wastage, depleting scarce public resources without achieving the desired impact on ordinary citizens.
“The Federal Government should learn valuable lessons from programs like N-Power and other public employment schemes, which have often been plagued by corruption, absenteeism, and impersonation.
“Our position is that any intervention on this scale, given the quantum of resources, and the fact that a lot of public debt is being incurred in these kinds of spending, should be driven by real value addition on the ground.
“This is why CHRICED has over the years calls for the 774 Local Government Areas to be used as the basis and template for well-thought-out economic policies, to evenly spread impactful and sustainable development across the country.
“As a matter of fact, CHRICED has severally suggested some clear-headed policies, which we believe If adopted and faithfully implemented, will return our teeming population of unemployed to work, and serve as a basis for the rapid industrial development of our country.
“One of such recommended approaches is for the government to: Declare state of emergency on unemployment in Nigeria by devoting One Billion Naira to create jobs in each of the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) based on the unique characteristics of each LGA, using some key sectors of the economy, specifically the manufacturing, agricultural, and industrial sectors, as well as ICT, as the foundation for achieving inclusive growth in Nigeria, especially with the rising rate of youth unemployment and crime in the country.
“In addition to generating new employment templates, there must be a strong political commitment to enhancing the fairness, transparency, and openness of existing government-run employment and economic empowerment programs that are being implemented nationwide.
“Revamp and reform our security architecture, ensuring that every Naira allocated for defence is meticulously accounted for.
“Conduct a thorough investigation into the surge of electoral tribunal court judgments, resulting in judicial embarrassment, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
“Finally, despite the prevailing lack of hope, we extend our warm wishes for a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2024.
“May we fervently pray and remain hopeful that, akin to Okonkwo’s resilience during that fateful year, we will persistently endure the challenging years of misgovernance by the locust politicians in Nigeria, just as we to speak truth to power,” he said.
