Coronavirus: Nigerians of age 18 should be paid N200,000 stimulus package – ADP

The African Democratic Party (ADP) on Thursday in Lagos asked the Federal government to pay N200,000 each to every citizen of 18 years and above as stimulus package as a result of coronavirus pandemic.

The parry’s National Publicity Secretary, Adelaja Adeoye made this request while chatting with newsmen.

He also urged governors of various states to pay double salary for each workers and those not working should be given N50,000 each.

According to him, some palliatives of these nature would mitigate the hardships ocassioned by the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the country.

Mr. Adelaja reasoned that government can do it, noting that the United States of America, Canada and other coronavirus ravaged climes were already doing it, insisting that Nigeria should borrow a leaf from them.

He said:

“To make the process seamless and transparent, the government can partner with banks to achieve this, since over 40 million Nigerian citizens have been connected through Bank Verification Number (BVN).

“Whatever that is due to each Nigerians, can be paid directly into their accounts.

“The issue of data base is gradually being sorted by the National Identification Management Corporation (NIMC), so, the payment process should not be delayed.

“Both Federal and State government can agree to make some deductions from the FAAC and JAC, for March and April, and disburse to every citizen from the age of 18 years, to support them.

“The call is not strange according to Adelaja, because similar stimulus package is being offered to Americans by President Donald Trump, who has earnmarked Two Trillion dollars ($2tr), to be shared amongst all American citizens.

“Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has also announced a stimulus package of $2,000 each for those who have lost their jobs over corona virus, and this will be paid to them for the next four months. 

“Offers are also being made to other Canadians while they are at home pending when the scourge will be defeated.

“Nigerian government must learn to treat citizens like humans, and provide them with supports during this trying period.

“I would’ve asked the goverment to supply each and every homes with food items on a weekly basis, like it is being done in United Arab Emirates (UAE), but this cannot work in Nigeria, as majority of those items will end up missing in transit, apart from the fact that we cannot handle such for over 180 million people. 

“The best is to do a direct transfer to them, so that they can use the money to buy food, drugs, and other items that will help them to stay alive and be comfortable”, Adelaja noted.