NASARAWA MARKET WOMEN URGE PRESIDENT TINUBU TO CREATE ECONOMIC RELIEF MECHANISM AMID RISING COSTS 19-09-24
By Sadiq Aminu Market women and petty traders in Nasarawa State have called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an emergency economic relief mechanism to support low-income earners and vulnerable groups, amid the country’s escalating cost of living.
Speaking on behalf of a coalition of market women and small-scale business owners in the state, Mrs Justina Daniel appealed for the swift disbursement of the Renewed Hope Empowerment Grants, aimed at supporting 10,000 petty traders in Lafia.
Mrs Daniel explained that, since the removal of the fuel subsidy over a year ago, many small businesses have shut down due to continuous price hikes, including rising transportation costs, which have made it difficult for many households to afford basic needs like three square meals a day.
She stressed the need for both federal and state governments to adopt new strategies for addressing economic hardship, particularly for the poorest households in rural areas.
“Most times, people at the grassroots only hear about the distribution of palliatives in the media, as these efforts often take place in state capitals and rarely reach remote areas. Many people can’t even afford the transportation to access these items, let alone be captured in the distribution lists. The government needs to take a different approach to truly alleviate the suffering of the people,” she said.
Mrs. Daniel also commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her empowerment initiatives, noting that she would use the funds to boost her poultry business.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi, wife of the Nasarawa State Governor, announced that 1,000 women petty traders in Nasarawa State would receive ₦50,000 each as a grant to help grow their businesses.