President Bola Tinubu Orders Immediate Review of #8000 Palliative Programme

In a recent development that promises to impact millions of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu has issued an immediate directive to review the proposed N8,000 conditional cash transfer programme, colloquially known as the “#8000 palliative.” This initiative, initially designed as a financial relief measure for the most vulnerable households, has now been flagged for reconsideration in response to public sentiment and feedback.

As communicated by Mr. Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, President Tinubu has stressed the importance of unveiling the entire range of the government’s palliative package. This call for transparency comes in the wake of subsidy removal, which has resulted in escalated costs of goods and services, triggering widespread concern among Nigerians.

Under Tinubu’s administration, the dialogue between the government and its citizens is valued and continuously encouraged. The Nigerian leader seeks to prioritise the welfare and security of his people, reinforcing these commitments under his Renewed Hope Agenda. As part of this initiative, the administration has earmarked N500 billion, approved by parliament, to alleviate the difficulties arising from the end of the subsidy regime. In his address, President Tinubu assured Nigerians that this fund would be judiciously used, benefiting citizens regardless of their ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.

Tinubu’s government has consistently displayed its sensitivity to public opinion and willingness to recalibrate its strategies accordingly. The administration had earlier planned to provide 12 million of the nation’s poorest households with a monthly allowance of N8,000 for six months as a part of the #8000 palliative measure. The intent was to mitigate the discomfort caused by the subsidy removal. However, based on feedback and dissenting views, the President has ordered an immediate review of this conditional cash transfer programme.

The #8000 palliative isn’t the sole relief measure under consideration. Tinubu’s directive also includes the unveiling of the government’s entire package of palliatives. Additionally, an immediate release of fertilizers and grains to nearly 50 million farmers and households across all 36 states and the FCT is on the cards.

President Tinubu’s administration has previously demonstrated its pro-people stance by addressing concerns from the business community regarding burdensome taxes. In response, he signed four Executive Orders that eliminated certain tax classes and postponed the implementation of others. Also, a Tax Reform/Fiscal Policy Committee has been established to propose recommendations fostering a conducive fiscal environment, removing barriers to business.