Senate
President Bukola Saraki has advocated that the Global Britain Fund be
judiciously spent on poverty alleviation and economic development of the
country.
Saraki, represented by Sen.
Ali Wakili, the Chairman Senate Committee
on Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare made the call at a roundtable by the
British High Commission in Abuja
The UK
Government had in 2016 announced a five-year Global Prosperity Fund of 1.3
billion pounds to promote economic reform and development for growth in partner
countries.
The fund’s
priorities include improving business climate, increasing ability of partners
to tackle corruption, competitiveness and operation of markets, energy and
financial sector. Saraki said: “The fund worth 1.3 billion pounds represents
another surgical attempt by the British Government to promote economic through
poverty alleviation and economic boost. “We are particularly interested in
aspect of the fund which targets promotion of economic reforms and elimination
of barriers of trade, public sector reform, strengthening capacity and building
strong institutions.
“We are also interested in the aspect that focuses on
developing growth sectors such as infrastructure, energy, finance, education
and healthcare and providing development assistance to combat poverty.
“The
targets are in line with the legislative agenda of the 8th senate which is
largely focused on economic reforms and poverty alleviation.’’ Saraki said that
as the country battled with economic recession and looming humanitarian
situation in the North-East, the Senate welcomed any form of partnership that
would address the national challenges. He said that the Senate would continue
to use the instrumentality of laws as a means of social engineering to create
conducive atmosphere for economic survival and empowerment of the citizens.
Saraki said that the Senate was currently working on the establishment of
National Poverty Alleviation Commission, geared toward establishing a
coordinating agency for eradication of poverty in Nigeria. He reiterated the readiness
of the senate to support programmes and initiatives aimed at enthroning
sustainability and better livelihood for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
The
Chairman House Committee on Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Muhammed Wudil, remarked
that the lower legislative chamber was also working on the establishment of
Poverty Eradication Commission. He said that the commission would not only
centralise the programme but also maintain a reliable database.
According to
him, eradication of poverty can only be effective through such institution that
have constitutional mandate. Wudil said that the House of Representatives by
virtue of its constitutional responsibilities was working to put in place
relevant legislation to achieve UN targets on poverty alleviation.
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