The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has requested Nigeria’s Government and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to steer clear of corruption and misappropriation of N3.5 trillion stimulus announced by the CBN to ameliorate negative effects of Coronavirus in Nigeria.
The Association of Nigerian students also warned investors and manufacturers of goods and services, particularly clinical consumables used to prevent Coronavirus against overpricing of their products as such an unnecessary action might inflate prices of goods and services and could worsen the health situation in the country.
Recall that the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele had at an extraordinary Bankers’ Committee meeting held at the weekend, announced N3.5 trillion stimulus package for the building of critical infrastructure, boosting of local manufacturing and production across critical sectors, among other packages.
Speaking at an emergency press briefing held at NUJ Press Centre, Iwe-Irohin House in Abeokuta on Monday, Azeez Adeyemi, Public Relations Officer, NANS, declared that as a body of students in the country, it is imperative to hold the Government and Central Bank of Nigeria accountable and demand more explanations on how the N3.5 trillion economic stimulus would be disbursed to benefit the critical sectors of the economy.
He said, “The National Association of Nigeria Students commend and appreciate the Federal Government of Nigeria, in its mechanism put in place to curtail the virus. We are aware of the crucial roles of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NSCD), and the collaborating efforts of Health practitioners and other civil societies.
“The government pronouncement on churches, mosques and other public places is commendable. In the same light, we are in full support of the closure of all Federal Government-owned institutions and wish to enjoin all Nigerian students to abide by the guidelines released by the Federal Government curbing and mitigating the effect of all this deadly virus.
“However, NANS believes that beforehand there should have been more proactive measures ahead to curtail and possible contact of Coronavirus. The leadership of the National Association of Students demands accountability in any counterpart funds received by Government and organisations to combat and curtail the spread of Coronavirus in Nigeria.
“We urge the Manufacturers Association of Nigerian (MAN) and in extension the direct retailers not to take advantage of the pandemic to inflate prices of commodities.”
RAZAQ AYINLA & JEREMIAH OLOWOKERE, Abeokuta
