By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As the Federal Government plans a a nationwide ban on commercial motorcycles otherwise known as Okada and Artisanal mining in the country, ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, has called on government to consider alternative safety net to buffer the impact of the planned ban on the affected population before taking such action.
AAN made this call today in a statement it issued on its position on the planned banning of Okada and Artisanal mining in the country.
AAN stated that the ban on Okada and illegal mining activities by the Federal Government as hinted by the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, although will stem the rising insecurity across the country but it will undoubtedly further deepen the national multi-dimensional poverty index if measures are not taken to address the population involved.
As a way out, the NGO urged the government to encourage investments and job creation to engage those that will lose their livelihoods.
The statement read, “ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) agrees that placing a ban on the use of motorcycles and mining activities may cut the supply of logistics and source of funds for the purchase of arms to the terrorists, but while this is being contemplated in the national interest to combat insecurity, there must be well thought-out alternatives to lessen the effects of the attendant loss of livelihoods on the people that will be affected.”
The NGO noted that the ban must be implemented in a way that it must be implemented in a way that will not further worsen the country’s dire economic situation.”
According to the NGO the number of people using okaka represents a significant segment of the population whose condition will be worsened as a result of food inflation, rising unemployment, the rising cost of living among other economic challenges, and other issues that are responsible for why more people are falling into the poverty net.
AAN also emphasized on the need for government to invest in agriculture value-chain, especially girl child education.
Prioritize the healthcare of its citizenry and enhance economic opportunities while embracing technology to improve economic productivity and opportunities for the citizens.
AAN also expressed willingness to join other development partners available to work with the government at all levels to create a sustainable alternative for this population.
