COVID-19: FG promises relief packages for daily earners

The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed concern over the plight of daily wage workers due to the lockdown, and is making plans to provide succour to them.

This was disclosed earlier today by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who also serves as the Head of the Economic Sustainability Committee that was recently set up by the Presidency.

“Many of our citizens are daily wage workers and the President has expressed concerns about this. We are now thinking of ways to provide succour for the period they are unable to work.”

The VP added that the Economic Sustainability Committee is also going a step ahead to think of how the economy would be stabilised after the pandemic, to alleviate long-term consequences.

“There are many concerns associated with the lockdown. We are concerned about how the economy will remain stable, how jobs can be protected and ways to create new jobs where possible.

He further noted that the Economic Sustainability Committee would soon submit its comprehensive report to President Muhammadu Buhari. The report will detail the thoughts and ideas of members on the best way forward for Nigeria.

The president had set up the committee on March 29, after declaring a 14-day lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States. Members of the committee were charged to come up with short and long term palliative measures for Nigerians and the Nigerian economy.

As you may well know, there have been calls from several quarters asking the government to provide financial support to low income earners in the country. These calls have specifically been directed at the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development to widen the list of vulnerable people.