Peter Obi Criticizes N3billion Allocated for Verification of National Social Register

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, has expressed dismay over the N3 billion allocated for the National Social Register verification process.

He emphasized the urgent need to address the issue of the cost of governance in Nigeria, calling for decisive action. 

Obi pointed out that the approved sum is more than three times the budget for the National Library, a critical infrastructure seemingly abandoned and lacking essential educational materials.

The National Library, a cornerstone for education and knowledge dissemination, received a mere N908,699,435 budget, raising concerns about the country’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for learning and intellectual development. 

He argued that at a time when manpower training is crucial to maintaining a productive workforce, diverting such a significant amount to the verification of the National Register of the Poor seems misplaced.

The staggering N3 billion allocated for the verification process has sparked questions about the regularity of data verification for poverty alleviation efforts. 

Critics and citizens alike are questioning why such a substantial sum is necessary for a verification exercise and whether the funds could be more effectively directed toward actual poverty alleviation initiatives.

Obi raised a fundamental question about the priorities of the nation’s leaders, urging them to focus on critical areas of national development and security.

With over half of the population battling various forms of poverty, the allocation of such a substantial amount to a verification process has ignited concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of societal ills.

The statement by Peter Obi serves as a reminder that prioritizing national development, security, and the welfare of the people, particularly the less privileged, should be the primary focus for leaders. 

Failure to make sacrifices for the greater good may perpetuate the challenges of poverty and hinder the nation’s progress.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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