The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed dissatisfaction over lack of transparency in the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme.
It would be recalled that, the federal government launched the scheme last year as part of moves to combat economic hardship owing to the fuel subsidy removal in the country.
But a press statement, signed by NANS Public Relations Officer (PRO), Sen. Mimidoo Joy Gundu
said the Nigerian Students are deeply concerned about the lack of transparency and information spread surrounding this grant programme.
“Our curiosity spans from when was this grant program advertised to the public, through which medium and for how long? Unlike previous social security programs launched during President Buhari’s administration, such as N-Power, Covid-19 palliatives, and others, which were widely publicized and accessible to all Nigerians with a clear statement on who is eligible and a clear distinction of the categories.
“The lack of transparency in the communication of this particular grant of about 200Billion naira raises questions as to whether there is a hidden agenda behind the disbursement.
“We as Nigerian students demand to know the timeline of when this grant scheme was initiated, how it was communicated to Nigerians, and the criteria used to select beneficiaries as the students community which is the most literate segment of the society cannot remember being part of any stakeholders engagement as regards the said grant,” she said.
The statement further said the sudden emergence of beneficiaries amid doubts as regards information spread depicts the interplay of corrupt practices at certain level of the implementation of this noble thought of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“As stakeholders in the development of our nation, we have the right to be part of the discussion and processes involved in the selection and disbursement of funds for such programs as our money as Tax payers forms part of the day to day running of government activities.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and as leaders, government entities must uphold the principles of transparency and inclusivity in all activities that impact the citizenry.”
The association therefore, urged the Minister of trade and investment to put a hold on the disbursement as the process of selecting beneficiaries lacked merit.
It added; “That the ministry of trade and investment opens the registration window with an extension of at least 30days to allow the average Nigerian to participate in the process.
“That the process be advertised on all TV and radio stations with a full page advertorial on all national dailies.
“That bill boards be placed in all Nigerian major cities and all entry and exit points of the FCT for proper information destinations.
“We call for an expanded stakeholders meeting and transparency briefing session by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment to provide clarity on the inception, communication, and beneficiary selection process of the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme.”