United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation (UTA) has called for dialogue between organisers of the planned nationwide protest and the Federal Government to avert any form of violence.
Nigeria Country President of UTA, Amb. Abigail Amalaha, made the call at a news conference on the state of the nation in Abuja on Wednesday.
Acknowledging the hardship being experienced by Nigerians, Amalaha called on the federal and state governments to address the issues bedevilling the country.
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She said that by pursuing dialogue, a timeframe must be put in place by government to address the issues leading to the protest.
“To avoid a spillover of violence on the anticipated peaceful protest, we recommend the option of dialogue between the organisers and the federal government.
”As a matter of urgency, the federal government needs to establish programmes that will make the teeming youth of the country actively engaged.
“Programmes like consciously revamping and resuscitating industries which will lead to massive job creation must be considered.
”Government should also widen the scope of support for small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) so that more youths will benefit and start small businesses,” she said.
Amalaha stressed the urgent need to put in place wholesome programmes and policies that would address food insecurity, security challenges, agitations and growing disenchantment of Nigerians with the government.
She also appealed to government to sustain efforts in boosting agriculture through food security, while also arresting the rising cost of food items in the country.
“The efforts can be intensified by making the Bank of Agriculture more active and responsive to farmers and agricultural firms’ needs.
“Bank of Agriculture should increase agricultural credit finances and offer to farmers in accordance with its mandate.
”Also, government should ensure that fertiliser and agricultural implements are available at subsidised prices, train farmers on off-season farming and provide facilities to ensure all-year-round farming,” she said.
Amalaha also advised government to cut down on cost of governance, especially at a time of economic challenges like this.
“The federal government should be thinking of merging ministries instead of increasing them. Government should also find a way of cutting the allowances and perks of office of government officials.
“The recent offer by members of the House of Representatives to earn half salary for six months, as part of their sacrifice to reduce cost of governance, is a step in the right direction.
“The executive, both at federal and state levels, should do likewise,” she said. (NAN)
